Barbados Commemorates Panama Day: Honoring Contributions to the Panama Canal Construction

In August 2014 in recognition of the contribution of Barbadians to the construction of the Panama Canal, the Cabinet of Barbados declared August 15th to be celebrated as Panama Day.

When appointed as the first resident ambassador of the Republic of Panama to Barbados, I began researching the island nation, the region, and our shared history. I received a wealth of information, but it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I became aware of the significance of the Panama Day celebration on August 15. As soon as I learnt about it, I delved into the origins of this annual commemoration on the island.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that, in recognition of the contributions made by Barbadians who travelled to Panama to assist with the construction of the Panama Canal, the Government of Barbados decided – in 2013 – to establish a commemorative date. Upon further investigation, I discovered that the Cabinet of Barbados declared August 15 as a symbolic day of remembrance to reflect on the circumstances that led thousands of Barbadians to leave the island in search of better economic opportunities.

As documented in various articles on pioneering efforts, Barbados was the first and largest source of foreign labour contracted by the government of the United States of America during the construction of the interoceanic waterway. Barbadians had a strong reputation for being industrious, honest, and dedicated because of their proven work ethic in previous construction projects. This made them an ideal choice for the US Government. Those who crossed the Caribbean Sea and arrived in Panama between 1906 and 1914 committed themselves to various tasks, contributing significantly to the construction of the Panama Canal and the railroad.

Today, Barbados honours that achievement and, like us in Panama, recognises the sacrifices made by those men and women who, through their hard work, not only assisted and managed that monumental task but also sent remittances to their families. Their efforts set a precedent and paved the way for a distinguished group to improve their lives.

The story tells us that between 30,000 and 40,000 Barbadians left for Panama in search of a better livelihood for their families. As mentioned before, the remittances they sent back home played a crucial role in the early 20th century, laying the foundation for the emergence of a middle class in Barbados. Since that time, up to this day, there remains a strong connection—a bridge, if you will—that unites Barbados and Panama.

It is well known that while many Barbadians returned to the island, others left Panama and headed North, in search of new opportunities and better living conditions to support their families. Many, however, chose to stay in Panama, integrating themselves so deeply into our society that today they are a fundamental part of who we are. Their roots became ours, and ours became theirs. As they assimilated into our culture, these Barbadians established a social group that is now an integral part of the multicultural country that is Panama.

Those who decided to stay primarily settled in the northern regions of our country, including Colón, Bocas del Toro, and some in Panama City. Over time, they became Panamanians with Barbadian heritage, just as we Panamanians have embraced our Barbadian lineage. In each place they settled, they infused their customs, cuisine, music, drums, and belief system, enriching the cultural tapestry of Panama.

Barbados and Panama are united by indissoluble historical ties, a bond that is celebrated by Panamanians as well. From the Embassy of Panama in Barbados, we are pleased to join in the joy of commemorating an event that not only united us but also brought us closer together since the first decade of the 20th century, weaving an enduring bridge that connects our two nations that have and will continue to endure the test of time.

Today, the relationship between Barbados and Panama continues to strengthen, with this single bridge uniting us. In 2021, Barbados established its first diplomatic mission in Panama, with the appointment of ambassador Ian Walcott, and Miss Michelle Carter, as his deputy chief of mission. In 2023, the government assigned Messrs Gorey Garrett and Kyle Gittens the important task of promoting Barbados’ tourism not only in Panama but the entire Latin American region, a fact that significantly enhances our bilateral ties.

In 2024, Panama opened the doors of its first embassy in Bridgetown. The development of these diplomatic ties will enable us to not only deepen our historical ties but also to advance our mutual desire for stronger economic and commercial relations that, I am sure, will redound to the benefit of both our nations.

Let us celebrate the Barbadians who initiated this relationship, a connection that has yielded great benefits thanks to their efforts. In the five months since we established our presence in Barbados, we have already seen high-level visits from both nations. We particularly highlight the presence of HE the President and the Hon Prime Minister in Panama and that of the former minister of foreign affairs of Panama in Barbados whose visits this year underscored the importance of our growing partnership.

The political will of our governments to strengthen this bridge of communication is already bearing fruit. Today, we have four weekly flights between Barbados and Panama with Panama’s flagship airline, COPA. Our chambers of commerce are establishing connections, and in the port and commercial sectors, promising developments are taking place, and we expect more to come.

Before concluding this message, in which I express my gratitude for being present on this Panama Day in Barbados—a day of remembrance for those brave ancestors—I would like to share with those who read these words that, coincidentally, today, August 15, Panamanians are celebrating the 506th anniversary of the founding of Panama City. We are also commemorating today the inauguration of the Panama Canal with the passage of the first vessel, the Ancón, through the locks of this monumental engineering marvel that shortens distances and connects Panama to the world. The canal is a symbol of our contribution to global benefit, as proclaimed in our national Coat of Arms: Pro Mundi Beneficio (For the Benefit of the World) as five per cent of the world’s trade transits the canal. Therefore, this is the perfect time to remember how the canal benefited Barbados and how Panama benefited from their labour, many of whom died, leaving a part of Barbados in Panama.

Consequently, in both countries, we have the perfect opportunity to strengthen and solidify the common bridge that connects Barbados and Panama and Panama to Barbados. This bridge will serve as our shared platform from which we will continue to work together, fostering closer political, economic, and cultural ties. On this Panama Day, we especially highlight the significance of the efforts made by those who first began building this vital connection, shaping our shared history and friendship.

On this significant day, on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Panama, I am honoured to join the Prime Minister, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, and the people of this remarkable nation, in celebrating this historic event that forged enduring ties between our two countries—ties that have undoubtedly made my presence here today possible. Together, we will keep weaving our common future for the benefit of our governments and our people. Happy Panama Day!

H.E. Xiomara Pérez is the Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to Barbados