The Government of Barbados and the Republic of Ireland have agreed to deepen synergies given their historical connections and shared values.
This move to deepen and strengthen relations between the two countries was discussed during a recent courtesy call with Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds, and the Ambassador of Ireland to Barbados, Geraldine Byrne Nason, at Ilaro Court.
The courtesy call followed Ambassador Nason’s presentation of credentials to the President of Barbados Dame Sandra Mason.
Although diplomatic relations between Barbados and Ireland were established on May 3, 2001, the relationship dates back to the 1620s, when Irish people immigrated to Barbados. This can be seen in the many Barbadian familial names which can be traced to Irish roots, for example, Fenty, Dixon, McCarthy, and Forde.
According to Prime Minister Mottley, it is a natural progression for the two countries to pursue a more meaningful and robust bilateral engagement that would enhance their longstanding heritage ties. To this end, Barbados established an embassy in Dublin, Ireland, this year, which is headed by the resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ireland, Cleviston Haynes.
“So, the truth is that Europe remains important to us but building on Ireland’s historical connection with us is even more important because the opportunities for synergies are real, and we see development occurring in heritage tourism, culture, and educational skills…. And at the end of the day, at every level, I believe there are appreciable benefits to be derived from enhanced cooperation between our two countries,” Mottley said.
In response, Ambassador Nason said she agreed the time had come to build on the existing relationship.
“I think it makes it all the more, in a way, incumbent on us now, in this existing spirit, to renew this relationship and make it more fruitful,” she stated.
During the meeting, the officials also discussed the economic risks of climate change on small island developing states (SIDS) and the need for a more inclusive approach to addressing the climate crisis.
This led to dialogue on Ireland’s Second Strategy for Partnership with Small Island Developing States to 2026, which has as one of its four pillars, multi-commitment action plans to work to ensure that the climate challenges faced by SIDS and their ocean-related priorities are systematically reflected in their policy and funding decisions and that their climate action and advocacy respond to SIDS needs.
Minister Symmonds thanked the Irish government for the initiative and for their role in advocating for SIDS.
“We are grateful for Ireland’s perspective and partnership and its voice. I think a lot of the advocacy that you have offered is really helpful and we look forward to your continued support,” he said.
The Washington, DC Resident Ambassador noted: “It’s a fundamental tenet of our foreign policy to work with small island developing states. The relationship is a unique evolution in our foreign policy. I’ve been doing this all my life and I haven’t seen that we’ve stayed immersed in such an intimate relationship as we now have with the SIDS. So, it’s not so much a strategy, as it is a partnership.”
The officials also spoke of the importance of the European Union as a trade and investment gateway for the Caribbean and the potential for Ireland to play a gateway role into Europe for SIDS.
Tourism and culture were also discussed, and the ambassador shared that an agreement was made with the Barbados Museum and Historical Society to host an exhibition later this year entitled “Entangled Islands”.
(BGIS)
