Consul General – Ed Bushell
MIAMI – As Barbados celebrates its fortieth birthday as a nation, we its nationals can be justly proud of its achievements over the years. Both within our national space and on the international stage, Barbados and Barbadians have shown a level of maturity and responsibility much greater than our small size would suggest. The economic and social strides made by Barbados are admired by many.
I commend you, my fellow Barbadians in the Diaspora, and especially you residing within the Consulate’s jurisdiction, for all the efforts you have made and are making towards our country’s well-being.
Your assiduous work to promote Barbados, assistance you give to Barbadians studying in or visiting the United States and your unselfish contribution to institutions such as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and our Children’s Homes are but a few of the things that give me a source of pride and satisfaction. I thank you and encourage you to keep up the good work.
As we look towards the future, the prospects look great. Let us all strive towards the realization of our individual and collective potential and not be discouraged by the challenges that may confront us. We must, in the face of any difficulties, show the requisite unity and steadfastness of purpose that will see us through.
I want to take this opportunity to draw your attention to two major initiatives underway in Barbados. The first is the National Initiative for Service Excellence (NISE) which aims to establish consistent service excellence as first nature for Barbadians and to make Barbados internationally known for its high service standards. Since its launch two years ago, this tripartite Government, Private Sector and Trade Unions co-operative arrangement has gained increasing momentum and has made Barbados ready for greater international recognition.
The second is our Legacy program launched in May this year by our Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Owen Arthur. Basically, the program aims to put Barbados in a position where it will have great future benefits from all the knowledge and experiences it will gain from the hosting of the 2007 Cricket World Cup and to ensure that the fruits from this investment bring tangible rewards for Barbados well into our future. The overall goal is for Barbados to become the best place to live, visit, invest and do business.
As you can see, both of these initiatives are aimed at making Barbados the best that it can be. I urge you and your respective organizations to get to know more about them and to become involved in their related activities. As always, the Consulate is ready to provide any guidance or assistance as you may need.
Let me not end without taking this early opportunity to send you best wishes for the holiday season and the New Year. I am confident that as we continue to work together, 2007 will see us further entrenched as firm craftsmen of our fate.
