Farewell to Commissioner

Friends of the British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Victoria Dean, gathered at her residence on Tuesday evening to bid her farewell as her tenure in the said position is coming to an end. Conveying gratitude and best wishes on the behalf of the Government of Barbados was Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean.

 

Senator McClean stated that a true friend was found in the High Commissioner and as a result, much progress has been made during her three years on the island. “As you are well aware this year Barbados celebrates 50 years of Independence from the United Kingdom, thus it has also been 50 years that we have been enjoying diplomatic relations as Britain was one of the 1st countries with which we established relations… As High commissioner you have been instrumental in continuing the excellent work of strong relationships between our two countries.”

 

The Senator, admittedly filled with mixed emotions, took a moment to reflect on the meaningful work which has distinguished the High Commissioner's representation in Barbados. Among these, there was notable mention of the new air services agreements which Barbados and Britain [plan] to replace the dated one and the renewed commitment between Britain and the Caribbean to build a stronger partnership for sustainable growth and development. Through the latter mechanism, Britain and the Caribbean will continue to partner in a wide range of areas including facing the challenges of climate change and exploring possibilities in the renewable energy sector.

 

Saying this, Senator McClean thanked Dean for her enthusiastic participation in Barbadian life and conveyed her best wishes. Moreover, she expressed her anticipation of the continued relationship with Britain, even after Brexit. “Given Brexit, it is expected that much will change in the coming months and year but it is not expected that the strong ties that exist among the two countries will weaken; many have expressed pessimistic views, I do not share such pessimism… if none else I know that we can count on our friends to help navigate the new waves created by the pending changes.”

 

Being much shorter in her sentiments, High Commissioner Dean expressed much thanks to all who have worked with her over the three years. She reminisced, “Three years have gone by lightning fast… we did a lot in these three years.” Listing some of her accomplishments during her time, she highlighted England cricket tours, two royal visits, the Top Gear festival, the opening of new fusion center, and the doubling of scholarship programme which allowed eighteen students from the Caribbean to pursue their masters in England.”