Barbados is the talk of the town in Panama after a sweet cultural showcase entitled ‘A Cultural Fiesta: From Barbados to Panama.’
This event celebrated the longstanding relationship between the two countries and was hosted on March 30, 2023, as a collaboration between Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and the Barbados Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mission in Panama.
The cultural showcase was deemed a resounding success featuring the best of Barbados including top Barbadian chefs and mixologists, entertainers, and budding talent in Barbados film and fashion design industries.
The Barbados delegation, led by Minister of Tourism and International Transport, the Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, hosted the one night only event as Barbados looks to strengthen its presence in the Latin American market. The Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill remarked: “Tonight’s event is a testimony to the value of maintaining relationships, as we prepare for Panama’s Embassy in Bridgetown, and the establishment of a Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc office here in Panama. This aligns with our strategy to expand our reach in the Latin American market and we have seen the value of strengthening our relationship with Panama.”
The Minister also gave Panamanians and Barbadians living in Panama a glimpse of what the island has to offer, outside of the cultural elements on display at the event. “Destination Barbados is a melting pot of experiences ranging from heritage and culinary to sport, the arts, festivals and luxury,” he said.
“Over the past few months, we have been working to rebrand Barbados as more than a winter destination, but a 365-day paradise which is supported by our diverse tourism offering.” The cultural elements featured a mini fashion show by Barbadian lifestyle designer Pauline Bellamy, alongside the fashion stylings of Panamanian designer, Alex Adames. Barbadian entertainers Peter Ram, Steel Pannist ZigE Walcott, and DJ AON Skillz closed the show with dynamic performances, following popular Panamanian singer Iranian Dowman.
A Cultural Fiesta began with the screening of Panama Dreams, a film directed by Barbadian Alison Saunders-Franklin, a documentary depicting the journey of over 40,000 Barbadians to Panama for the construction of the Canal in the early 1900s. The highlight of the event was perhaps the Barbados Food and Rum Festival display featuring Barbadian mixologists Shane McClean and Philip Casanova, and chefs Creig Greenidge and Javon Cummins.
Not to be left out was Panamanian chef Gabriele Grimaldo, who complemented the Barbadian fare with authentic Latin American dishes. The first of its kind event played a significant role in positioning Barbados as top of mind for every traveller, while reaffirming the commitment to partnership with Panama.
VIP guests included Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Janaina Tewaney; Barbados Ambassador to Panama, H.E. Ian Walcott; and famed boxer Roberto Durán Samaniego better known as Mano de Peidra; along with top media, influencers, travel trade and Barbadian diaspora.
