BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – In a significant move to bolster regional cooperation, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago are advancing toward a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) focused on tourism development and cultural exchange. The initiative aims to mutually enhance economic interests and strengthen bilateral ties between the two Caribbean nations.
The discussions, held in Barbados between Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill and Trinidad’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Transport, Eli Zakour, emphasized several critical areas. Key topics included improving regional air connectivity, addressing the high cost of intra-regional travel, and launching enhanced training programs for air traffic controllers (ATCs).
Minister Gooding-Edghill highlighted the robust state of Barbados’ tourism sector, noting substantial investments from Trinidadian entrepreneurs in ongoing hotel developments such as Hotel Indigo, the Hyatt, Pierhead Project, Royalton Vessence, Pendry Hotel, and the Blue Monkey Hotel and Beach Club. He emphasized that a structured MOU would provide a framework to maximize shared benefits and sustainable growth.
A major focus was placed on addressing the shortage of qualified air traffic controllers. Gooding-Edghill identified a pressing training deficit and proposed utilizing Trinidad’s Civil Aviation Training Centre for accelerated instruction. He stressed the urgency of securing funding and formalizing collaboration to build capacity swiftly.
In response, Minister Zakour expressed Trinidad’s willingness to support Barbados through a dedicated training MOU, acknowledging that ATC staffing challenges are a regional issue. He affirmed Trinidad’s commitment to assisting with aviation capacity building.
Additional discussions covered pilot recruitment shortages, new air service agreements to improve connectivity, and strategies to engage youth in aviation careers. Both ministers agreed to continue high-level dialogues to finalize the agreement in the near future.