The UK Barbadian Community eagerly awaits the arrival of its new High Commissioner, Edmund Hinckson, who will succeed Milton Inniss, who served as High Commissioner for four years. Mr Inniss’s involvement with the community was significantly affected by COVID-19-related disruptions.
A diplomatic posting to London is widely regarded as a distinguished appointment. Mr Inniss began his tenure in 2019, with Deputy High Commissioner Rev Charles Morris joining him initially; Rev Morris’s assertive approach shaped his interactions. Betty Lewis later assumed the role of Diaspora Attaché, a newly established position, and continues to contribute following her earlier service with the Barbados Tourism Authority. In this context, the Deputy High Commissioner typically oversees community engagement, while the High Commissioner concentrates on business and diplomatic affairs.
During his tenure, Rev. Morris had differences with the National Council of Barbadian Associations UK (NCBA UK), particularly about the organisation of the 2022 Independence Thanksgiving Service. Preferring independent coordination with NCBA support, Rev. Morris proceeded with the event after extended negotiations resulted in NCBA’s withdrawal. As a result, the service experienced technical difficulties and diminished outcomes.
Mission Collaboration Ended
This dispute concluded a longstanding collaboration that began under the late DHC Herbie Yearwood and continued until 2022. Upon completing his contract in 2023, Rev. Morris returned to Barbados, where he currently serves as a senator and radio show host, in addition to his ecclesiastical responsibilities.
Despite internal discord, High Commissioner Inniss remained visibly supportive of community activities, keeping his presence at key functions. Mackie Holder was appointed Deputy High Commissioner after serving as Consul General in New York through early 2023. Allegations of verbal misconduct against Mr Holder arose during his tenure in New York, which he denied. It is understood that this incident influenced his later recall and reassignment to the United Kingdom.
Initially, Mr Holder expressed reservations about NCBA initiatives, but he later took part in the association’s “A Lil Bit of Bim” event in Leicester. NCBA Chairperson Sherry Maxwell met with Mr Holder and Deputy Dr Beverley Goring in mid-2023. While Mr Holder recognised the NCBA’s umbrella status, which represents eight Barbadian groups, he advocated for the High Commission’s leadership over national events. This stance contributed to ongoing tensions with community organisations.
In 2024, Mr Holder coordinated a service in Birmingham, facilitating transportation for attendees from London. The High Commission then hosted a Gala dinner highlighted by a performance from Red Plastic Bag. Notably, The Connector, the official newsletter, predominantly chronicles Deputy Holder’s engagements.
In 2025, Mr Holder continued to lead the ‘We Gathering’ programme, launching activities in Reading in March and responding candidly to feedback at the Manchester event in April. Despite these positive efforts, attendance and engagement remained limited, underscoring persistent leadership challenges. Mr Holder has announced the establishment of Bajan groups in Luton and Manchester, although reports suggest these entities may lack formal structure and are no longer active.
It is essential to recognise the central role of NCBA UK, set up in 1986, as the umbrella body for Barbadian associations. Serving migrants since the 1950s and 1960s, NCBA UK advocates for health, education, arts, and cultural interests while promoting diversity across communities. Its model has influenced similar organisations, such as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines national group.
Recent approaches by the DHC have diverged from past collaborative traditions, including joint cricket events with SVG officials. Diaspora Attaché Betty Lewis had shown reluctance to collaborate with SVG representatives. Amid diplomatic complexities, NCBA UK is still committed to its mission. This year, the association provided support to the Hope Foundation, which helps people with respiratory illnesses in Barbados, and to Challenor School of Creative Arts, continuing advocacy and outreach despite challenges.
Most recently, Edmund Hinckson, formerly MP for St. James North, was succeeded by Chad Blackman, a retired diplomat now serving as Minister of Educational Transformation. Barbados’ Independence celebrations are still a focal point of UK diplomacy, with town events typically featuring official visits. This year, only DHC Holders visited Reading, while others received limited engagement.
In 2025, the NCBA Thanksgiving service was held in Catford, led by Bishop Rosemarie Mallet. Concurrently, Acting High Commissioner Holder arranged a separate national thanksgiving service a week earlier. That event included participation from English clergy and regional religious leaders. Of note, Barbadian Canon David Tudor, previously restricted from ministry, is affiliated with this Diocese.
Dr Beverley Goring, NCBA Chairperson, has expressed optimism that the appointment of High Commissioner Hinckson will help restore productive relations and renewed collaboration within the community.
