Barbados is keen on maintaining harmonious relations with the United States of America (USA) and ensuring that economic prosperity exists in the region.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, emphasised this recently during a courtesy call with Ambassador of the United States and the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States, Roger Nyhus, at Parliament.
Underscoring the importance of the relationship, Mr. Symmonds said: “I really think there is a lot of potential in the partnership; it really is a question of us being able to share with you some of the difficulties we have because I think our ambitions are very similar.
“On behalf of not just Barbados but the Eastern Caribbean, there is a real interest in maintaining population levels here, building out capacities down here, and building out our commercial viabilities. I think when we talk about small independent nations, we see ourselves as growing and being able to earn a place at the global table, especially in terms of trade and commerce.”
Explaining why discussions are not Barbados-specific, Minister Symmonds added: “There are some micro issues that we would have to deal with, in the context of Barbados, but I think for present purposes it is important to realise we are seen as an island that is expected to lead in the CARICOM region.
“Indeed, the Prime Minister of Barbados is the Prime Minister with lead responsibility for building our Single Market and Economy and I believe that shoulders a lot of responsibility…so that unless we get it right for the region, we don’t get it right for ourselves.”
Ambassador Nyhus, in acknowledging that he was of the same mind set, said: “I think what’s on your mind is also on our mind and ‘top of mind’…. I think there are so many opportunities.”
He noted three key priorities he aimed to address in the region, which are climate change, regional security, and economic prosperity.
“I have been directed, very specifically, to come to this region and strengthen the relationships: ‘do what you can do’; ‘use the network’; ‘use the White House to solve, to engage’. And, we are going to be a very active partner in the issues that you care about…. You have a new partner with new skills here and actually a team that’s very energised as well,” he said.
The US Ambassador stressed that he was also interested in improving interconnectivity, in relation to regional transportation, and revealed it was his desire to set up an internal aviation working group in the US Embassy. This, he noted, would “look at regional transportation and how this could aid in improving the air connectivity within the region”.
Minister Symmonds, in agreeing with the need to address air connectivity, said: “It is important that we have ease of access to the rest of the Eastern Caribbean and them to us.…
That is why, in addition to aviation, it is also important to build out the marketing capacity because from their perspective they produce a lot of fruits, vegetables, and so on. They are the big markets to Barbados and accessing Barbados becomes critical.”
The two officials also discussed the crisis situation in Haiti and the need to pay greater attention to the flow of firearms in the region and its impact.
Also present at the meeting were Director General, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Donna Forde, and Senior Foreign Affairs Officer, Dr. Ricardo Kellman. Barbados and the USA established formal diplomatic relations on November 30, 1966.