Sometimes the best protection is preparation.
Barbados is not entering an IMF programme. What we have done is put a standby arrangement in place, much like having a line of credit that you only use if you need it.
We are not drawing down anything at this time. Barbados is in a comfortable position, with strong growth, strong reserves, and the credibility earned from hard work.
This is about keeping Barbados steady, protected and ready.
Barbados has worked hard to reach this point, and the world has noticed.
Today, the IMF announced that it has reached a staff-level agreement with Barbados on a precautionary standby arrangement. To be clear, Barbados is not entering an IMF programme. This is simply an arrangement that gives our country access to additional support if it is ever needed, while recognising the progress we have already made.
The IMF also noted Barbados’ solid growth, stronger reserves, careful debt management, and renewed confidence in our economy.
This is responsible planning from a position of strength, as we continue with our own homegrown plan for transformation, resilience and inclusive growth.
We will stay disciplined, keep protecting Barbadians from the cost of living, and continue the hard work of making this country stronger for all.
Prime Minister Philip Davis,
I offer sincere congratulations, on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, and on my own behalf, as you receive a renewed mandate from the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
This is a moment of continued trust, but also one of continued responsibility. The people of The Bahamas have once again placed before you the task of service, leadership and national stewardship at a time when our region must be clear-eyed, courageous and united in purpose.
Barbados recognises the important role The Bahamas continues to play in our Caribbean family. Though our islands may be separated by water, we are joined by a common inheritance, a common struggle, and a common determination to secure a better future for our people.
Our nations understand the realities of small island life. We know the pressures of climate vulnerability, economic uncertainty, external shocks, and the constant demand to do more with less. However, we also know the strength, creativity and resolve of Caribbean people.
It is in that spirit that I look forward to our continued engagement, bilaterally, within CARICOM, and across the wider international community, as we work to advance the interests of our region and ensure that the Caribbean continues to stand with dignity and purpose on the world stage.
I wish you wisdom, strength and God’s guidance as you continue your service to the people of The Bahamas.
Please accept, Prime Minister, the assurances of my highest consideration and warm personal regards.
Every engagement, every conversation, every hand extended in friendship, carries one purpose: to open new doors for Barbados.
Every engagement, every conversation, every hand extended in friendship, carries one purpose: to open new doors for Barbados.
Our relationship with Ireland is rooted in shared history, shared resilience and shared belief in what small nations can do when we stand tall, speak clearly and act with purpose.
With the official opening of Barbados’ Embassy in Ireland, we mark not just a diplomatic milestone, but a renewed commitment to deepening the ties that can serve our people well.
Whether at home or abroad, the work continues. We continue to build bridges, strengthen partnerships and seek opportunities that can redound to the benefit of Barbados.
A pleasure to welcome the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, to Government Buildings.
The opening of the new Barbados Embassy in Dublin marks a significant milestone in our enduring historical ties and our growing economic partnership.
A warm and meaningful welcome in Ireland with President Catherine Connolly. @presidentirl
We spoke openly about climate resilience, energy security, sustainable development, and the real choices small nations must make as we protect our people and prepare for the future.
I was pleased to be joined by Senior Minister Chris Sinckler and His Excellency Cleviston Haynes, Barbados’ Ambassador to Ireland, as we continue building on the friendship, shared history and purpose between Barbados and Ireland.
We never take our eye off the ball.
At Six Men’s Bay this week, we continued the work of ensuring that development redounds to our people and our communities.
Through the Pendry project, we have secured support to rebuild the fish market and create a new community space where Barbadians and visitors can enjoy fresh fish, good food, sea views and the spirit of this special village.
This is how progress must feel. Practical, personal and rooted in people.
Today I give thanks for my mother, for her love, her prayers, her guidance and the quiet strength she has given me all my life.
I give thanks too for mothers everywhere, by blood, by action, by sacrifice and by deed.
Our country needs mothers. Our people need mothers. The world needs the steady hands, soft voices, fierce protection and quiet courage of women who hold homes, families and communities together, often while carrying so much themselves.
To every mother, thank you for all that you do and all that you are.
We salute you. We love you. Happy Mother’s Day.
Happy 100th birthday, Sir David Attenborough.
Few voices have travelled as gently and powerfully across generations as yours. You have entered our homes, our classrooms and our hearts, educating us, entertaining us, and helping humanity to fall in love with the natural world.
From Barbados, where we know both the beauty and fragility of creation, I join so many across the world in giving thanks for your life, your work and your witness.
Your voice has been the narration of nature and it has been a teacher, a conscience and a companion.
May this milestone birthday bring you joy, peace and the deep gratitude of a world you helped us to see more clearly.
A quick but full visit to Paris, with Barbados’ interests at the centre of every meeting.
From the G7 discussions, to climate and renewable energy partnerships with France, to technical cooperation with the City of Paris, and meetings with investors already working in Barbados and those looking to do more, the focus remains building the relationships that can bring jobs, investment, skills, technology and opportunity home to our people.
In this changing world, Barbados must continue to be present, competitive and clear about what we offer. Every partnership we strengthen must ultimately help us improve lives and create a better quality of life for Barbadians.
To all of our children sitting the Common Entrance Examination today, I want you to know that we are proud of you already.
I know there may be a little anxiety, both for you and for your parents, but take a deep breath and trust the work you have done. You have studied, you have prepared, and now all anyone can ask is that you go in, concentrate, and give of your very best.
Above everything else, do yourself proud. Believe in yourself, stay calm, read carefully, and remember that this exam is one moment in your journey, not the whole story of who you are or who you will become.
I wish each of you a focused mind and the very best of luck. Barbados is cheering you on.
At the G7 Methane International High Level Multi Stakeholder Conference here in Paris, I reminded the world that the climate crisis is not a distant threat. It is already testing our farmers, our food security, our access to water, and the stability of nations across the world.
For countries already carrying heavy burdens, affordable and reliable energy cannot be separated from survival itself. We cannot ask our people to choose between stable power today and a liveable planet tomorrow.
We are reaching a tipping point. That is why Barbados will continue to speak, to lead, and to fight for solutions that match the scale of this moment.
