Press Releases

The Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Rodolfo Sabonge, attended a luncheon hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, Her Excellency  Janaina Tewany Mencomo, in honour of the Official Visit of the Prime Minister of Barbados, Her Excellency Mia Amor Mottley, on April 4, 2024. The gathering was held within the framework of the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Panama in Barbados, some 4 years ago after the historic opening of the Republic of Barbados in Panama.

Commenting on the significance of this event, Secretary General Sabonge posits that the iconic leadership of Her Excellency Mia Mottley, and the relevance of her advocacy for equal voice and value for Caribbean States on the global stage, empowers, not only her own country, the Republic of Barbados, but all the States and Territories of the Greater Caribbean, qualitatively advancing the Region’s integration enterprise.

The Secretary General points to the arrival of Barbadians to assist in the construction of the Canal as an example of Barbados' contribution to Caribbean civilisation building and “bringing humanity together", opining that "The coming of Barbadians to Panama to help build the Canal was natural for Barbadians. They helped make world transport and trade better. Barbadians making Panama their home and infusing and fusing their culture with the cultures they met here was equally natural. They made Panama better".

The relationship between Panama and Barbados is a reflection of the historical, cultural and economic ties that unite these two countries. Founding Members of the ACS, both countries work together in regional and international fora, promoting common interests and seeking solutions to global challenges.

The inter-state relations curated within the ACS over its thirty year existence are based on mutual respect, solidarity and a shared vision for Caribbean-centric sustainable development through consultation, cooperation and the concerted action of ACS Members and Partners.

The Secretary General’s remarks on the occasion of the luncheon in honour of the Official Visit of the Prime Minister of Barbados, Her Excellency Mia Amor Mottley, can be accessed here.