On Saturday, 28 March 2026, the UK Barbados Mission team travelled to Birmingham for a Town Hall Meeting organised by The 2nd Generation of Barbadian and Friends Association, led by its Chairperson, Aaron Mapp.
Business Envoy Tony Sealey OBE, patron of the Group, chaired the meeting. He was joined on the platform by Deputy High Commissioner Mackie Holder, the newly appointed High Commissioner to the UK, Edmund Hinkson SC. Diaspora Attache Betty Lewis was also present.
About sixty people attended the event at the Capp Centre in Smethwick, including representatives from the Barbadian Association in Leicester.
The choice of location was historically significant but not deliberately so. In 1964, Smethwick—a West Midlands parliamentary constituency—gained notoriety as one of the most colour-conscious areas in Britain, particularly during the general election that year. The Conservative Party ran a campaign in Smethwick that openly appealed to anti-immigrant sentiment. Enoch Powell, infamous for his strong opposition to immigration, was at the time the Conservative MP for Wolverhampton South West and used the platform for his famous “Rivers of Blood” speech.
Ironically, the new High Commissioner referenced these racially charged events of the sixties in his opening remarks. Hinkson thanked his audience and briefly outlined his path to the post. Born in Barbados, he lived in the UK for a short period as a child before returning home. In April, 2025, he resigned from Parliament as the Member for the Constituency of St. James North,
He informed attendees that the Bill granting citizenship to grandchildren is progressing and noted that he was Home Affairs Minister with responsibility for Immigration when the idea of extending citizenship to great-grandchildren was formulated. He believed the Bill would pass Parliament easily, as discussions faced little resistance. He highlighted the anticipated benefit of making grandchildren and great-grandchildren eligible for Barbadian citizenship and expressed confidence that the bill will be passed this year.
The agenda extended beyond citizenship. Other topics raised were Disabilities, Car Importation, Reparations, and the Windrush debate. For next steps, attendees were encouraged to assist in the compilation of the skills register, not for the first time. This new chapter appears to be part of the portfolio of the Diaspora attaché, Betty Lewis.
Community engagement with Barbadians at these gatherings offers updates on events in Barbados and provides a space to address questions or concerns. Although questions came slowly, the High Commissioner used the available time to answer them as thoroughly as possible. Demonstrating the skill of an experienced politician and lawyer by providing extensive context in his responses.
Hinkson thanked the UK community for remittances over the years that helped to build Barbados and encouraged continued investment in the country. He also expressed his pleasure in engaging with the community and improving the High Commission’s outreach.
In response to Education specialist Paulette Toppin’s discussion on diaspora engagement and her skills, DHC Holder explained that individuals should submit details to the skills register, which will be forwarded to the appropriate department. He also noted the mission’s newsletter as another channel.
In the Vote of Thanks, Angela King, Vice Chairperson of 2nd Generation Barbados and Friends, thanked the High Commissioner and his team. She also presented flowers to Mrs Treva Holder and Mrs Beverley Hinkson, the wives of the DHC and HC.
The High Commissioner promised to continue its meet-and-greet tour in Manchester and other destinations with a high concentration of Bajans.
