Ambassador of Barbados visits Kildare and Áras Chill Dara

Kildare County Council today had the honour of welcoming the first Ambassador of Barbados to Ireland, His Excellency Cleviston Haynes, to a meeting at Áras Chill Dara. Accompanying the Ambassador was Mr Shane Thomas, Investment Executive, Invest Barbados.

Representing Kildare County Council at the meeting were The Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Carmel Kelly, Annette Aspell, Deputy Chief Executive and Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Economic Development and Tourism. 

During the meeting, the Ambassador offered an introduction to the recently established Embassy of Barbados, which opened in Ireland, in June 2024.

The strong relationship between Ireland and Barbados was acknowledged and tourism possibilities were explored. 

Discussions also centred around the potential for increased cooperation and collaboration between Ireland and Barbados, particularly with regard to Climate Action and harnessing energy.

Following the meeting, the Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Carmel Kelly said: "It was our distinct honour to welcome His Excellency Cleviston Haynes to Kildare County Council today. Barbados and Ireland have a shared history dating back to the 1600s and Irish culture and surnames can still be found throughout the island.  Today’s meeting has placed us on the path to developing a deeper bond between our countries and we look forward to fostering that relationship."

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