Education
Barbados and Colombia Strengthen Diplomatic Ties
Barbados and Colombia are enhancing their diplomatic relationship, focusing on education, healthcare, culture, tourism, and environmental conservation, following Colombia's embassy reopening in August 2023.
5 min read
Originally published by barbadostoday.bb (opens in new tab)
Barbados and Colombia are entering what officials described as one of the strongest periods in their 54-year diplomatic relationship, with cooperation expanding across education, healthcare, culture, tourism and environmental conservation.
Speaking during Colombia’s National Day celebrations at Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary on Monday evening, Ambassador to Barbados Elizabeth Taylor Jay said the relationship had gained significant momentum since Colombia reopened its embassy in August 2023 after more than two decades without a resident diplomatic mission.
“This step reaffirmed Colombia’s commitment to Barbados and to the greater Caribbean as a region of friendship, cooperation, shared prosperity and common purpose,” she said. “Since then, we have strengthened political, economic, cultural and people-to-people ties with the Government of Barbados, the private sector, academia, civil society and the Colombian community on the island.”
The ambassador highlighted negotiations on an air services agreement, describing it as one of the most significant achievements since the embassy’s reopening:
“This process is now at an advanced stage and brings us closer to a direct air connection that will support trade, tourism, investment, academic exchange and cultural cooperation.”
Ambassador Taylor Jay outlined several areas where the two countries have expanded collaboration, including Spanish language training, cultural exchanges, environmental initiatives and healthcare partnerships.
“The promotion of Spanish language learning has also been a central pillar of our engagement,” she said, noting that in 2024, Colombia’s Caro y Cuervo Institute delivered certified Spanish training to 59 public officers. “We remain committed to expanding this cooperation.”
She also pointed to growing collaboration in healthcare.
“We also expanded dialogue in the field of health in collaboration with ProColombia by promoting cooperation between Barbados and leading Colombian healthcare institutions in specialised medical services.”
Reflecting on the broader relationship, the ambassador described the celebration as more than a national observance.
“This evening’s celebration is therefore not only a celebration of Colombia; it is also a celebration of the friendship that Colombia and Barbados have built over the past 54 years, a friendship founded on mutual respect, trust and genuine human connection.”
