Lee Celebrates Barbados’ Independence Day and Shirley Chisholm’s 100th Birthday with Congressional Colleagues in Barbados
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) over the weekend attended a bipartisan Congressional Delegation trip to Barbados with Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) and Congressmembers Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-5), Steven Horsford (D-NV-4), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY-9), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), and Stacey E. Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands).
The delegation met with government officials and regional experts to discuss ways to advance respective security, economic, and climate goals between the United States and Barbados. This trip built upon efforts undertaken by the Biden-Harris administration in the region to continue strengthening the United States’ relationships across the Western Hemisphere.
“Today, we celebrate not only the journey of this great nation toward freedom, but the resilience, vision, and leadership that have defined Barbados in the decades since. Over the past 58 years, Barbados has become a beacon of democracy, stability, and progress in the Caribbean,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Barbados also stands at the forefront of one of the most critical global issues of our time—climate change. As a small island nation, Barbados has seen firsthand the devastating effects of global warming—from rising sea levels to stronger hurricanes and extreme weather events. Yet rather than retreating in fear, Barbados has emerged as a powerful advocate for climate justice. We must continue to work together with nations around the world to take bolder steps toward sustainability.”
The delegation also commemorated the 58th anniversary of Barbados’ independence and the 100th birthday of the trailblazing Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, a proud Barbadian-American. Shirley Chisholm was a mentor to Rep. Lee, and Lee attended Chisholm’s photograph unveiling with Prime Minister Mia Motley at the Parliament in Barbados.
“Shirley Chisholm was a child of Barbados,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Her time in Barbados shaped her political career, as she was influenced by the Barbados workers. Her life is a testament to the bonds that unite our two nations. Let us continue to cultivate our relationship and support, protect, and invest in our Caribbean allies.”