Under the banner of the “We Gatherin’ 2025” initiative, Ambassador of Barbados to the Republic of Panama, Amanda Martinez, warmly welcomed 25 members of Panama’s Barbadian descendent community to the Official Residence on Thursday, November 6, for a breakfast celebrating Barbados’ Independence month and Panama’s “Mes de la Patria” (Month of the Homeland).
The intimate morning gathering provided an opportunity for the Embassy of Barbados team, including First Secretary Shireifa Joseph, Accounts Attaché Sonia Burke and Administrative Assistant (and Barbadian descendant) Heidi Blake, to network with Panamanians of Barbadian descent who were drawn from diverse sectors including business, media, government and civil society.
Marked by a spirit of community and camaraderie, the event reaffirmed the deep historical links and enduring cultural connections between Barbados and Panama, which extend to the same month in which both countries commemorate their Independence. Throughout the engagement, descendants relayed information about their ancestral ties to Barbados, offered insights into current Afro-Panamanian advocacy efforts, and learned more about the Government of Barbados’ ongoing efforts to re-engage the extended Bajan family globally.
Ambassador Martinez reflected on the timeliness of the breakfast, sharing, “November is an important month for Barbadians and Panamanians alike. Throughout the month, we recount our history, honour our ancestors, celebrate our cultural heritage and display our national pride more fervently. We gather as families, neighbors, and communities reaffirming the values that define us as citizens and as nations.” She continued, “As ‘We Gatherin’ 2025’ concludes next month, we hope the campaign’s message continues to resonate with our diaspora and descendant communities here in Panama for years to come. That is, regardless of what generation you may be, we encourage you to reconnect with your island home.”
The breakfast for Barbadian descendants marked the Embassy of Barbados’ fourth “We Gatherin’ 2025” engagement in the Republic of Panama. The Barbados Mission’s “We Gatherin’ 2025” public diplomacy Panama outreach concludes later this month with two events commemorating Barbados’ 59th Anniversary of Independence.
