High Commission of Barbados, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids High Commission of Barbados in London |
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| Location | Bloomsbury, London |
| Address | 1 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3ND |
| Coordinates | 51°31′02″N 0°07′51″W / 51.5171°N 0.1308°W |
| High Commissioner | Mr. Milton Inniss |
The High Commission of Barbados in London is like Barbados's special office or "embassy" in the United Kingdom. It helps keep a strong connection between Barbados and the UK. This office is where Barbadian citizens can get help, and it also works to build good relationships between the two countries.
Barbados set up this office soon after it became independent from Britain. At first, it was located at 28 Cockspur Street and even shared space with Guyana's office. In the early 1970s, it moved to 6 Upper Belgrave Street. Then, in the mid-1980s, it moved to its current spot at 1 Great Russell Street in London's Bloomsbury area.
Contents
What is a High Commission?
A High Commission is a type of diplomatic mission. It's like an embassy, but it's used between countries that are part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Both Barbados and the UK are members of the Commonwealth. This office helps Barbados talk to the UK government and helps Barbadian people living or visiting the UK.
The High Commission is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Barbados. It also has the main office for the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR), which helps register ships.
Who is the High Commissioner?
The main person in charge of the High Commission is called the High Commissioner. They are Barbados's top representative in the UK. The current High Commissioner is Milton Inniss. He started this important job on October 1, 2018. He took over from the previous High Commissioner, Rev. Guy Hewitt.
The building also has an office for the Barbados Tourism Authority. This office helps people learn about Barbados and plan trips there. Even though it's in the same building, it uses a different address: 263 Tottenham Court Road.
In October 2012, the Parliament of Barbados voted to provide money to fix up and improve the High Commission building in London.
Important Connections
The Barbadian High Commissioner in London also has other important jobs. They are also the Ambassador for Barbados to several other countries and places. This means they represent Barbados in:
- The Holy See (also known as Vatican City)
- Israel
- South Africa (where they are also called a High Commissioner)
- Sweden
Past Leaders
Many important people have served as High Commissioners for Barbados in London since the country became independent. They have all worked to strengthen the ties between Barbados and the United Kingdom. Some of the past High Commissioners include:
- Sir Lionel Alfred Luckhoo (1967–1970)
- James Cameron Tudor (1971–1975)
- Cecil Beaumont Williams
- Algernon Washington Symmonds (1982–1983)
- The Hon. Harold McDonald Forde (1984–1986)
- Vernon Olivier Smith (1986–1989)
- Sir William Randolph Douglas (1991–1993)
- Peter Patrick Kenneth Simmons (1997–2000)
- Lawrence Edwin Pollard (2003–2008)
- Hugh Anthony Arthur (2008–2013)
- Guy Arlington Kenneth Hewitt (2014–2018)
Since Barbados became a Republic on November 30, 2021, the title changed slightly to "High Commissioner of the Republic of Barbados." Milton Inniss has held this role since that date.
Gallery
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Plaque outside the High Commission
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Former Barbadian High Commission at 6 Upper Belgrave Street, Belgravia
