Join Barbadians and friends of Barbados in Toronto on Saturday November 26th at Thornhill Community Centre and celebrate 45 years of independence.

In his speech at the Annual Errol Barrow Memorial Dinner on October 1st at the Delta Toronto East Hotel and Conference Centre, Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart spoke to the friendly relationship 
between Barbados and Canada dating back to the 1800’s. In doing so he made reference to the attempt made by the Barbados Agricultural Society in 1884 to initiate  discussions with Canada on the admission of Barbados into the Canadian Confederation - a little known historical fact; and the affinity for Barbados held by Canadian Prime Ministers John Diefenbaker, who vacationed in Barbados regularly, and Pierre Trudeau, who was a close friend of the Late Right Excellent Prime Minister Barrow. 

Speaking without notes, Prime Minister Stuart delivered an
informative speech, punctuated by good humour. He recognized the critical role Prime Minister Barrow played in the development of Barbados and the Caribbean, and endorsed the naming of the annual fundraising dinner in Mr Barrow’s honour. 

Acknowledging the significant monetary remittances made to Barbados on an on-going basis by Barbadians overseas and the value of these remittances to Barbadian families and the country’s development, he reminisced about his boyhood experience in this regard and how he looked forward to the  postman’s arrival with mail from family in England. An experience shared with many Barbadians with relatives overseas.

A strong supporter of the integration of the Barbadian diaspora in the island’s continued development, the Prime Minister spoke of his government’s plans with regard to “….elevating the concept of remittances beyond money to social remittances.” He went on to say: “ We no longer want only what you have earned, but also what you have learned here in Canada and other parts of the world and in looking at filling posts back home and the planning of the development of Barbados we are looking beyond our population to draw on those nationals who live overseas. It’s that thinking that  led us in our search for a new Chief Justice and there is more of that to come. Therefore, I want you to stay tuned to this station because we are going to be drawing on the talent and know-how of people in Canada as well.” The Prime Minister also informed his audience of the Diaspora Conference to be held in Barbados in August 2012 and invited their participation. 

At the conclusion of the formal part of this annual fundraising dinner, Prime Minister Stuart greeted many of the 300 plus guests who attended and autographed the program books of several who wished to have a memento of his first visit to Canada.

Among the guests who attended were DLP co-founder and the Party’s first Chairman Sir Frederick Smith, former Ontario Cabinet Minister Zanana Akande, who is of Barbadian heritage, and Keith Forde, retired Deputy Chief of Police – Toronto Police Service. Accompanying Prime Minister Stuart at the Head Table were High Commissioner to Canada E. Evelyn Greaves and Mrs. Greaves, Consul General at Toronto Dr Leroy McLean, DLP General Secretary George Pilgrim, New York Branch President Heather Stuart and DLP Barbados (Canada) President Reynold Austin. Alex Waithe was Master of Ceremonies.

Compiled and edited by Ronald DaC. Jones, J.P., M.P, "BARBADOS IS MORE THAN AN ECONOMY, IT'S A SOCIETY" records the thoughts and words of wisdom of the Late Hon. David Thompson, Prime Minister, Family Man, Leader and Friend.

The book will be available at The Annual Barbados Independence Celebration being held at Thornhill Community Centre on Saturday, November 26th. Purchase your copy for Can$25.00. 

Inset, Ms. Maloney receives
her gift from DLP Barbados (Canada)'s President Reynold Austin.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions and dedication to DLP Barbados (Canada), Secretary Marsene Maloney was presented with the President's Award at the October 1st Annual Errol Barrow Memorial Dinner.

Ms. Maloney has been the branch's secretary since its inception in 2007.

Inset is Larke Miller with Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart and Mr Austin.


Ms. Miller was recognized by DLP Barbados (Canada)'s President Reynold Austin at the October 1st Errol Barrow Memorial Dinner for her volunteer work in supporting the branch with its social events.