2020 was projected to be a significant year for the independent nation of Barbados, the coral island I’m lucky to call my second home. The culmination of several new initiatives is set to change its trajectory entirely. This article will explore the key reasons why, plus the importance to me personally. Firstly, to generate “a catalyst for national transformation” the ‘We Gathering 2020’ event is an unprecedented call for the reformation of the Bajan population. For my siblings and I, British born third generation ‘Bajans’, this recognition has ‘officially’ embraced us into the Barbadian diaspora for the first time. Since independence in 1966, Barbados immigration law had strictly ring-fenced those of Barbadian citizenship to children of emigrates only. Therefore, excluding the grandchildren, like myself, born and raised overseas. During COVID Barbados established itself as a robust independent country able to successfully manage the pandemic. Prime Minister Mia Mottley (QC and the first female PM) has been praised by the World Health Organization for her handling of the crisis. An example of which was implementing a strict curfew from the outset followed by district nationwide lockdown, plus a creative system for daily food shopping days designated via surnames as well as dedicated days for senior citizens. Furthermore, Motley has spoken for LGBT rights and for the upcoming referendum on same-sex marriage (a first for the Christian Caribbean community) stating that equality in Barbados is pivotal to its success, as stated during a BBC interview: “With respect to civil unions, we believe that that is a function of civil rights, and to that extent there shall be no discrimination against any person, whether gay, whether straight, whether black…white….short…tall, for any reason in this country.” (Pinknews, 2020) A commitment to a fair, progressive society underpinned by legislation reflective of other developed countries. Moreover, the 12-month remote work-visa providing internationals the opportunity to work on the island for up to a year, attracted global media coverage, highlighting the country’s aspirations for economic prosperity. According to Speedtest’s Global Index (2020), Barbados has a fixed broadband speed ranked nine ahead of the UK’s. The above evidences Barbados’s refreshingly forward-thinking perspective, thus setting a precedent for the modernisation of the Caribbean. The inclusion of descendants in future projections, modern work practices alongside the symbolic upcoming referendum, signifies Barbados is creating transformation across the Caribbean.

Sources

https://www.wegatherinbarbados.com/why-we-gather/# https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-53385227 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-44254140 https://www.speedtest.net/global-index/barbados https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/09/16/barbados-government-sandra-mason-same-sex-civil-unions-marriage-public-referendum-caribbean/