L-R: First Secretary, Shireifa Joseph; Minister of Foreign Relations of Panama, H.E. Javier Martinez-Acha; Ambassador of Barbados, H.E. Amanda Martinez and BTMI Director Latin America, Corey Garrett. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade)
Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, commercial and civil society partners, and the Barbadian community gathered with the Embassy of Barbados and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) staff for a reception commemorating Barbados’ 59th Anniversary of Independence in Panama City on Thursday, November 26.
The “We Gatherin’ 2025” Independence event highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties that have connected Barbados and Panama for more than a century. These links were reflected in the evening’s specially curated Bajan-Panamanian menu and were reinforced further in the messages delivered by Ambassador of Barbados, H.E. Amanda Martinez and Panamanian Minister of Foreign Relations, H.E. Javier Martínez-Acha.
In her address, Ambassador Martinez reflected on Barbados’ journey from colony to parliamentary republic and highlighted the country’s continued growth and progress, including the impending inauguration of the nation’s second President. She further shared how, over the past seven years, Barbados has positioned itself as an “advocate for vulnerable nations and as a leading voice for global solidarity to confront the most pressing issues affecting Barbados, our region, and the rest of the world, including the climate crisis”. The Ambassador concluded by sharing how the Barbadian embassy in Panama exemplifies the Government’s commitment to engage its Latin American neighbors more actively and to connect with the diverse Barbadian diaspora and descendant community through and beyond initiatives like “We Gatherin’”.
Foreign Minister Martínez-Acha shared his reflections on Barbados and Panama’s deeply intertwined history, which date back to the construction of the Panama Canal. The Panamanian Foreign Minister then outlined his desire to deepen bilateral relations across key areas including maritime security, commerce, education, hospitality and tourism, and cultural exchanges between Afro-descendants. The official programme concluded with a toast to the bilateral relationship between Barbados and Panama with custom cocktails prepared by Barbadian Culinary Ambassador and award-winning mixologist, Shane McClean.
More than 120 guests attended the Independence function, which featured a menu of Bajan classics with a Panamanian twist and showcased the diverse cultural heritage, tourism product, and commercial and investment opportunities available in Barbados.
Independence celebrations in Panama concluded on Sunday, November 30, with a service at the Cathedral of St. Luke officiated by Barbadian descendant, The Most Reverend Julio E. Murray, Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Panama. During the service attended by Ambassador Martinez and Mission and BTMI staff, Bishop Murray extended warm congratulations to the Government and people of Barbados on the country’s 59th anniversary of Independence, and commended Prime Minister, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, M.P., S.C., for her continued commitment to global moral leadership.
Staff of the Embassy of Barbados and the BTMI LATAM Office in Panama City with Barbadian Culinary Ambassador, Shane McClean (centre). (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade)
Ambassador Martinez engages members of the Barbadian community during the Independence reception. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade)
Guests interact during the Embassy of Barbados Independence reception in Panama. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade)
Embassy of Barbados & BTMI staff with members of the Barbadian community following Independence church service in Panama. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade)
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg
