The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is in the process of modernising and restructuring its operations.
Word of this came from Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott, who was speaking during a COVID-19 update and press conference this evening.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is in the process of modernising and restructuring its human resource complement, organisational structure and operational processes. These steps, which are so very critical to the existence of a fully capable and fit-for-purpose team, will underpin the success of the Ministry’s future endeavours,” Minister Walcott stated.
He explained that the modernisation of the Ministry would include “the upgrading of its IT infrastructural capacity both at headquarters and in the overseas missions, with the end result of having an enhanced platform of digital diplomacy and the use of innovative technologies in the delivery of Barbados’ foreign policy and international trade policy objectives”.
Senator Walcott said that by upgrading the Ministry’s Information Technology infrastructure, it is hoped that Government would revolutionise the way in which Barbados conducts its diplomatic activities and create global citizens with Bajan roots.
During the press conference, the Minister also highlighted the proposed goals of the Ministry for the coming Financial Year.
These include: strengthening traditional bilateral relations and pursuing new non-traditional partnerships; reaffirming multilateralism and deepening engagement with like-minded alliances; increasing Barbados’ trade levels by enhancing commercial diplomacy, and ramping up its outreach to the Barbados diaspora and Friends of Barbados community.
He noted that the proposed goals would seek to enhance economic growth and revenue generation, and would be delivered through a series of diversified external engagements.
Minister Walcott gave the commitment that Government “will work tirelessly to promote and protect the interests of Barbados and Barbadians, while utilising our foreign policy initiatives to give us elbow room domestically to create opportunities for our people”.