Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, Kay McConney, having a light moment with Barbadian songstress Nikita, during a special reception at Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan. (C. Pitt/BGIS)
Barbados has expressed its gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their support and hospitality during the island’s participation at Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
A special reception, hosted under the patronage of Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, Kay McConney, was held at the Expo’s Guest House. In attendance were officials from the Ministry, including Permanent Secretary Jennifer Hunte, representatives of Invest Barbados, Japanese government officials, and staff from other participating country pavilions.
At the event, Minister McConney emphasised how “extremely” grateful the Government of Barbados is for the support received from Japan in facilitating the country’s participation.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you, for your support and hospitality to the Government and People of Barbados. Let us continue to strengthen this partnership through meaningful collaboration, mutual respect and shared commitment to the progress for both of our nations,” she said.
The Minister noted that she was “deeply impressed” by the “incredible innovation and craftsmanship” showcased at the Expo, describing the experience as “unforgettable”. She also commended Japan for its vision and purposeful execution of Expo 2025, which she said provides a valuable platform for global exchange.
“It gives each country the chance to work in solidarity, while at the same time respecting our cultural differences. Indeed, this type of event provides a rare opportunity for countries to engage in cross-cultural learning, investment, innovation, sharing, and collaborative problem-solving. Barbados is honoured to contribute to this global movement,” Ms. McConney stated.
Joining the Minister in expressing appreciation, Invest Barbados’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kaye Greenidge, extended thanks to Japan as well as to local entities that played a vital role in Barbados’ participation and National Day event.
“Allow me to formally express my profound gratitude and appreciation to the Government and people of Japan and the organisers of this exceptional World Expo….
“I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our partners, without whom the success of the Barbados Pavilion would not have been possible. These include the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the National Cultural Foundation, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Export Barbados, and the Embassy of Japan in Bridgetown, Barbados,” Ms. Greenidge said.
She also offered special thanks to pavilion designer Donna Redman; the musicians; the Expo Band and performers Edwin, Nikita Browne, and Casheda Dottin. She further recognised the staff of Invest Barbados, and Dawn Kobayashi, a Barbadian living in Japan, for her dedicated assistance at the pavilion and with English-Japanese translation.
Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan, opened on April 13 and will run until October 13, 2025, under the theme Designing Future Society for Our Lives.