The newly appointed Barbados High Commissioner designate to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Edmund Hinkson SC, was the special guest at a reception held at the Pelican Centre in Bridgetown. This event, organised at short notice, was coordinated by former Senator and Deputy High Commissioner to the UK Alphea Wiggins, now the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Barbados to Guyana, Suriname, and Northern Brazil.
HC Hinkson opened by expressing his appreciation to Ms Alphea Wiggins for organising the meeting and conveyed to the audience his particular affinity for the United Kingdom, noting that he was born in Barbados and lived in London as an infant while his father studied law. He later returned to Barbados after a short period.
The new High Commissioner, recently left active politics after serving as a member of Parliament for St James North, stated today that his main role at the meeting is to listen to the concerns of Barbadians living in the UK.
Among the many issues raised were delays in extending citizenship, a lack of communication between the High Commission and the diaspora, and a low standard of service at the High Commission offices.
DOUBLE TAXATION IS AN ISSUE
Solicitor Ms Beverley Franklyn–Brewer highlighted the issue of double taxation affecting Bajans in the diaspora who want to work remotely in Barbados for over six months, unlike Welcome Stamp holders, who are exempt from this. HC Hinckson expressed significant interest in the matter, acknowledged it as an oversight that needs to be corrected, and committed to addressing it going forward.
UK DIASPORA DISCONNECT
Ms Olivia Worrell, President of the Barbados Overseas Association (BOCFA), raised concerns about the current strained relationship between the National Council of Barbadian Associations and the Barbados High Commission. The High Commissioner committed to meeting with the group’s leadership and community members.
Collin Carter, reportedly the first Black undertaker in England and a philanthropist, spoke about the self-confidence and determination required for success, as well as the opportunities available in the United Kingdom that are not being capitalised on.
CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT
The topic of citizenship by descent was addressed following a commitment made by Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados during a town hall meeting at Kensington Town Hall in London on Saturday, June 8, 2019. Prime Minister Mottley pledged to extend citizenship by descent to grandchildren. In response, Mr Hinckson provided an update on his participation in the select committee considering this issue. He noted that the amended Citizenship Act had been deliberated by the committee and that a report is currently being prepared for further review by the Lower House. He also suggested there were no major objections, but that the focus should be on the process to bring this to fruition.
At this meeting, attended by approximately fifty individuals, many of whom were Barbadians from the UK, who were home on holiday or business. Among those present was Athelston “Tony” Sealey, a Barbadian businessman who serves as the Government of Barbados’s Special Envoy for Inward Investment and Diaspora Engagement. Based in the United Kingdom, he plays a pivotal role in promoting business and investment opportunities between the UK and Barbados and is heavily involved with the Barbadian community in Birmingham.
The Barbados High Commission in the United Kingdom has been without an appointed High Commissioner since the completion of His Excellency Milton Inniss’s term in June 2025. In the interim, Deputy High Commissioner Mackie Holder has assumed the responsibilities of Acting High Commissioner, with Diaspora Relations Attache Betty Lewis serving as his assistant.
In addition to the appointment of High Commissioner Hinkson, two other diplomats are scheduled to assume their posts as replacements for the existing First Secretary and Minister Counsellor, who are scheduled to start in January.
