Celebrating close ties . . . UK-Barbados relations in good standing

British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Her Excellency Mrs Janet Douglas hosted a reception at her residence to celebrate the enduring friendship between Barbados and the UK.

The high-level event took place in the company of the Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason; Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson; Dame Floella Benjamin, who is in Barbados to support the kidney transplant charity Transplant Links Community; Dame Anne Pringle, former British Ambassador to Moscow; members of the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests.

During her address to the large gathering, Mrs Douglas told attendees that the relationship between Barbados and the UK continues to flourish on many levels.

She said: “In a few weeks’ time, the UK will be hosting Foreign Ministers in London for our UK-Caribbean Forum, where we will be talking about issues which are of mutual importance to our countries. Trade, commerce, development and infrastructure will be on the agenda, and hugely important – Climate Change.

“This is a big year for my government, as the UK will be hosting the Conference of Parties 26th meeting – otherwise known as COP26 in Glasgow in November. Leadership on Climate Change is urgently needed, and as a global leader, the UK will be working with Barbados and partners across the Caribbean to come to an agreement on reducing carbon emissions. More than ever this year, this is what our High Commission will be focusing on.”

Before her final toast, High Commissioner Douglas also acknowledged the presence of Barbados’ most recent alumnus of the prestigious Chevening scholarship scheme, Lorimer Denny. Lorimer returned home from the UK in 2019, where he pursued an LLM in International Banking and Finance and Law, at the City University of London.

He was formally presented with his official certificate of achievement by Mrs Douglas, to the applause of the 200-strong crowd. (PR)