UK High Commissioner bids farewell

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott, is hoping that the cooperation and assistance offered by the United Kingdom (UK) to small island developing states (SIDS) will continue, especially in the area of climate change. 

Minister Walcott shared this expectation during a farewell courtesy call with the UK’s outgoing High Commissioner to Barbados, Janet Douglas, at his Ministry, on Culloden Road, St. Michael. 

Senator Walcott in their discussions highlighted the strong and harmonious relationship between Barbados and the UK, and thanked Ms. Douglas for her efforts to assist the island with its defense and security as well as highlighting the plight of climate change on SIDS. 

The envoy expressed her tenure here as “exciting times, it has been really positive and I’ve really enjoyed it”. 

She complimented Barbados on its implementation of the Welcome Stamp Programme and for its management of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The two officials also discussed Brexit, the COVID-19 vaccine, tourism, and Barbados’ plans to become a republic. The High Commissioner wished Barbados all the best in its transition to becoming a republic. 

Ms. Douglas, who took up her appointment as British High Commissioner to Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis in April 2017, will be retiring after 35 years of diplomatic service. 

Barbados and the United Kingdom established diplomatic ties in 1966.