The role of the Honorary Consular Corps and the Diplomatic Corps
is still relevant, and they have an important contribution to make
despite significant global challenges that have major implications
for how Barbados engages at the bilateral and multilateral
levels.
This reminder came recently from Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean, as she addressed a luncheon
hosted by the resident Honorary Consular Corps, at Southern Palms
Hotel.
The Minister was addressing the topic: Consular and
Diaspora Diplomacy: Catering to a Discerning Clientele in a More
Complex World.
Emphasising the importance of the Corps in bilateral engagement and
in ensuring connections with the diaspora, Senator McClean said:
“I want to express the deep appreciation of the Government
and people of Barbados to all members of the Honorary Consular
Corps for the valuable contribution you have been making to
fostering excellent bilateral relations between Barbados and the
many countries you represent.
“In your capacity you engage on an ongoing basis with the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. Those of you who
made Barbados your home are not only serving your respective
countries well, but you have also been making significant
contributions to the economic and social development of Barbados
and for this I say thank you.”
Members heard that the very dynamic global environment in which
they now lived, with economic, social and technological
developments, had brought significant changes to lifestyles,
business practices and generally how nations engaged with one
another. This was said to have also contributed to the evolution of
the roles, functions and importance of the Honorary Consul.
“No longer do you just facilitate the issuance of passports
and visas or respond to emergencies associated with nationals of
the countries you represent.
The complex and competitive nature of the global environment; the
almost universal adherence to international instruments, especially
in the areas of human rights; and an expanded definition of
security, all serve to make the work of the Honorary Consuls more
important and diverse,” the Foreign Affairs Minister
noted.
Efforts at engaging the Barbadian diaspora was a key highlight of
Senator McClean’s presentation and she reminded the group
that as a small island state, migration had been a part of
Barbados’ history, almost from its very beginnings. She said
it was common to find our nationals in some of the remotest parts
of the world living, working or sometimes merely visiting.
“We have come to recognise their role in shaping the image
and reputation of our country. The Barbadian diaspora has
long been recognised as an important element of our relationship to
the rest of the world. Thus, since 2008, this administration has
developed a set of strategies to engage and support our citizens
abroad.
“A critical mechanism for doing this is the Honorary Consular
Corps at home and in the jurisdictions in which our people can be
found,” she pointed out, recalling when Barbados was
negotiating a Double Taxation Agreement in Qatar, the person to
facilitate the officer was a Barbadian geologist living there at
the time.
Senator McClean disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Foreign Trade was working assiduously to formulate a database to
capture the vast network of Barbadians in the diaspora.
“I am of the view that the diaspora could potentially unlock
one of Barbados’ richest reservoirs of investment and promote
sustained economic growth in the future. As members of the
Corps, you have the capacity to promote and influence dialogue,
stimulate trade and investment and of course, your extensive
network connects you to some of the world’s most vibrant and
emerging markets. We rely on you to assist us in supporting our
diaspora and those residing in the countries you
represent.”
The luncheon was also attended by Heads of Mission and other
diplomatic representatives, including China’s Ambassador to
Barbados, Wang Ke.
In recognition of this, Senator McClean said it signalled there
were many opportunities for collaboration between the diplomatic
and honorary consular personnel that could be mutually
beneficial.
The presence of so many Honorary Consuls here in Barbados, she
stressed, was both an important symbol and signal that Barbados was
still a leader in the Caribbean and western hemispheric
space.
She further acknowledged that, though small, the island had a proud
legacy of political stability; adherence to the rule of law; and
well-established institutions that facilitated commercial
enterprise.
It was also noted that despite some recent economic challenges, the
island remained a vibrant destination for tourism, investment and
the provision of financial services. Maintaining it was for
these reasons that influential Barbadians and others were highly
sought after by foreign Governments as local representatives, Ms.
McClean stressed that Barbados was open to engaging prospective
international partners in its pursuit of sustained economic
development, and Honorary Consuls had a significant role to play in
this respect.
In concluding, Senator McClean revealed that the island was looking
forward to the appointment of an Honorary Consul in Rwanda and was
in the process of identifying their Honorary Consul in
Barbados.
“And, most importantly, we have concluded with that country a
Double Taxation Agreement, which I must also report was negotiated
and concluded in record time,” she remarked.
The Honorary Consular Corps is made up of both nationals and others
who have made Barbados their home. Within the ranks of the
resident Honorary Consular Corps, there is a cadre of
representatives who have distinguished themselves in business,
civic life and international relations, including professional
ties, in some instances with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Foreign Trade.
Adapted from the Barbados Government Information Service
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