50 years on – Argentina’s Frigate ARA Libertad returns to Barbados

In a symbolic nod to half a century of diplomacy, Argentina’s training vessel, the Frigate ARA Libertad, recently sailed into the Bridgetown Port on its fourth visit to the island. The arrival coincided with the 50th anniversary of the ship’s first visit in 1974.

Argentina’s Ambassador to Barbados, Ciro Ciliberto emphasised the historical ties between the two nations, tracing them back to Barbados’ independence in 1966.

“A year later, Argentina recognised Barbados as an independent country. In 1968, we established a diplomatic relationship, and in 1974, the frigate made its first trip here,” he recalled.

The frigate, widely regarded as Argentina’s “biggest ambassador”, represents more than naval tradition. It is a vessel for fostering Argentina’s international relations. Ciliberto underscored this dual role: “Libertad travels the globe, visiting countries with which we have a close relationship. In recent years, we’ve strengthened our ties with Barbados, particularly through cooperation.”

A highlight of that cooperation has been a joint project aimed at environmental and economic sustainability. The fish silage programme, which turns discarded fish waste from Barbadian ports into animal feed, has been heralded as a major success.

“We recycled the parts of the fish that are normally thrown away and transformed them into feed for pigs and rabbits,” he explained. Though the initial programme concluded last year, local businesses—many of them led by women—have taken up the mantle, turning a pilot project into a sustainable venture.”

The initiative has also boosted Barbados’ economy. “This project created jobs that didn’t exist before,” said the ambassador. “It’s also good for the environment—less waste is sent to landfills—and it has reduced Barbados’ reliance on imported feed. It’s a win-win.”

The success of the fish silage programme has not gone unnoticed. According to the ambassador, Argentina is looking to replicate the model in other countries with similar industries: “Given how well it worked in Barbados, we are now working to implement the programme in other nations with comparable fish production.”

On the global stage, Argentina and Barbados have also found common ground. The two nations have collaborated in multilateral forums, supporting each other in votes at the United Nations and the Organisation of American States.

The contributions of the Barbados Photographic Society were also commended by the Argentinian envoy, who presented the ship’s commander Navy Captain Alfredo Ureta with two photos taken as the frigate arrived in port. “These were taken by two wonderful photographers from Barbados who are members of the Barbados Photographic Society,” he remarked. “We hope these photos, showcasing both the Argentine and Barbadian flags, will be displayed on the ship in the future.”