Barbados and the United Kingdom (UK) view their relationship as a longstanding friendship built on years of cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
This was highlighted recently when the new High Commissioner of the UK and Northern Ireland to Barbados, Simon Mustard, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, at the Ministry’s Culloden Road, St. Michael location.
Mr. Symmonds officially welcomed High Commissioner Mustard and said he looks forward to working with him on strengthening existing ties and developing new partnerships.
The two officials noted that the relations have been positive and very active, in areas such as trade and investment, research, security, education, green energy, and tourism.
The discussions between the two officials also focused on the engagement of small island developing states’ issues and vulnerabilities, notably the effects of climate change and building climate resiliency.
High Commissioner Mustard, who presented his credentials on May 23, 2025, to the President of Barbados, Her Excellency, the Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, was formerly based in Sierra Leone.
He shared that he was aware of the history between the UK and Barbados and its impact on their relationship, and indicated his willingness to strengthen existing bonds.
Other areas discussed included regional and international economic partnerships, the Bridgetown Initiative, pharmaceuticals/life sciences, security, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, Haiti (migration and its social impact), and cricket.
Present at the courtesy call were Director General, Donna Forde; Senior Foreign Service Officer, Trecia King; Foreign Service Officer, Deirdre Holder; Head of the British Commission’s Political and Communications Team, Simon Harris; and the British Commission’s Political Officer, Jamar Payne.
Barbados established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on November 30, 1966.
Source: Barbados Government Information Service