U.S. interests in the seven small Eastern Caribbean countries to which the mission in Barbados is accredited focus largely on counternarcotics and law enforcement matters. Embassy management is doing a creditable job in coordinating the efforts of the federal agencies with programs dealing with these issues. However, coordination of the economic and political reporting function could be improved.
With the exception of the counternarcotics and law enforcement functions, the embassy believes that it is seriously underfunded. The understaffed consular section strives to manage its daunting workload, but lack of funds is affecting its ability to carry out its mission. As a result, it must limit routine work. This makes consular outreach, reporting, training, and travel to outlying islands to provide services difficult. In addition, the physical plant is in serious disrepair. To bring the embassy up to a satisfactory level of maintenance and upkeep of physical structures, additional funds will be needed.
Relations between the missions in Barbados and Grenada have been cordial and productive. However, it would be useful to clarify in writing the exact relationship between the two missions with respect to reporting and administrative matters. A fully integrated reporting program would assist the mission in managing its human and financial resources. At present, travel and reporting are not as coordinated or carefully planned as they might be. Morale is mixed at best, with many commenting on a perceived lack of cohesion. The mission has made efforts to improve the quality of life; however, more needs to be done to give employees a greater sense of community.The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.