Doing business in Barbados.

The U.S. Dept. of Commerce has produced a 66-page Country Commercial Guide which offers helpful information on doing business in or with Barbados. Excerpts follow. If you wish to read the complete report, Email me ([e-mail]). I'll Email it to you as a file attachment.

Market Overview

Barbados, the easternmost Caribbean island, is an English-speaking country, 21 miles long by 14 miles wide, with around 275,000 inhabitants and a labor force of 148,000.

Stable Democratic Government: Barbados enjoys a longstanding democratic tradition and a strong commitment to the rule of law and political and economic freedom.

Solid Economic Performance: The tourism-based economy grew by 4.1% in 2005. Inflation rose to 4.0%, and unemployment fell to a record low of 8.5%. Net International Reserves increased after a steep drop in 2004. Tourism was down, but the economy grew, driven by 17% growth in construction and strong performance in other sectors. Most observers expect a similar economic performance in 2006.

Strong US Market Share: The US runs a trade surplus with Barbados and 40% of Barbados' imports come from the United States.

High Level of Development: Barbados has a per capita annual income of around US$12,000 and rates extraordinarily well in human development, with a highly educated population and good health standards.

Stable Monetary and Fiscal Policy: The exchange rate with the US dollar has remained at B$2 to US$1 for over 30 years. Government has kept spending in check with fiscal deficits of around 1.7 and 2.5% of GDP for 2005 and 2004. The Caribbean is one of the most indebted regions in the world, and Barbados is no exception, with a debt to GDP ratio nearing 88.0%.

Market Challenges

Relatively High Tariffs: Tariffs are high, but over the past few years, Barbados has lowered its tariffs and simplified its tariff system to fulfill its WTO obligations. The Government grants duty-free privileges for many international businesses and tourism enterprises.

Unofficial Investment Barriers: The economy is small and new enterprises that compete with entrenched local establishments, especially in the retail and restaurant sector, may face a de facto veto of their license. Importers of U.S. ice cream and poultry products, and franchisees interested in establishing a McDonald's, Little Caesar's, and Subway have all been blocked entry to the Barbados market.

Uneven Service: The standard of customer service in Barbados is well below that in the US. To combat this problem, Government has launched a nationwide training program, the National Initiative for Service Excellence (NISE). Market Opportunities

Cricket World Cup 2007: Barbados will host several games, including the final, in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup 2007. There are ample opportunities for companies to participate in logistics, security, construction, and other areas.

Telecom Liberalization: Barbados recently liberalized its telecom market, with competition in mobile and long distance service. This has created new opportunities for telecom companies, and should continue to bring down the relatively high long distance rates.

CARICOM Single Market: Barbados is a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leader in implementing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which will reduce or remove restrictions on the movement of goods, services, labor, and capital throughout the region. Details: www.caricom.org.

Tax Incentives: International Businesses enjoy substantial tax incentives, including a maximum tax rate of 2.5%, and lengthy tax holidays for exporters.

Best Prospects: Barbados imports 70% if its food, over a third of which comes from the US. Trade opportunities will remain for exporters of hotel and restaurant supplies, construction materials and agriculture and consumer products.

Franchising

The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs evaluates the potential competitive impact on non-franchised local businesses and must approve all franchises. Franchise holders pay an initial registration fee of BDS $10,000 (USD $5,000), and annual renewal fees of BDS $2,000 (USD $1,000). Process franchises, such as those used in manufacturing or designs, must also be registered so that royalties can be remitted abroad. Barbados has a policy of refusing to grant licenses to foreign fast food franchises.

Electronic Commerce

People in Barbados are very Internet savvy. In fact, a new trend has emerged in which Barbadians purchase used Japanese cars over the Internet.

Trade Promotion and Advertising

Most businesses advertise in newspapers, on radio, and on the one local television station. Local access to US channels via local cable is widespread and increasing.

The Barbados Advocate. Fontabelle. St. Michael, Barbados Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Website: http://www.barbadosadvocate.com The Broad Street Journal (online only). www.broadstreetnews.com The Nation. Nation House. Fontabelle. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]-0849 Website: http://www.nationnews.com

Radio Stations:

Barbados Broadcasting Service Ltd. 90.7 FM and Faith 102.1 FM. Astoria. St. George, Barbados. Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone].

Caribbean Broadcasting Corp., 900 AM CBC Radio, 98.1. Liberty FM. The Pine. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone] Starcom Network Inc. 92.9 FM VOB, 95.3 HOT FM, 104.1 Yess FM, 790 AM Gospel. River Road. Bridgetown, Barbados Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Email: [e-mail]

Television & Cable:

Caribbean Broadcasting Corp. The Pine. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Web: http://www.cbc.bb Caribbean Broadcasting Union. Unit One, Building 6. Harbor Industrial Park. Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone] Caribbean Media Corp. Unit One, Building 6, Harbor Industrial Park . Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]. Website: http://www.cananews.com

Cable:

Multichoice Cable. Caribbean Broadcasting Corp. The Pine St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone] Direct Television. Starcom Network Inc. River Rd. Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Due Diligence 

Some companies have experienced problems collecting on accounts in a timely fashion. It is important that any prospective exporter thoroughly investigate the prospective local agent or importer.

Local Professional Services

A local attorney is necessary when incorporating and is advised under any circumstance. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown (Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]) maintains a current list of lawyers.

This list of attorneys has been prepared for the use and convenience of those who require legal advice and assistance in civil or criminal proceedings or disputes within the Bridgetown Consular District. This district includes the countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, along with the Eastern Caribbean French, British and Dutch dependencies.

Vere P. Brathwaite, 6 Glenda House, Roebuck St, Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel [phone], Fax No. [phone], E-Mail: [e-mail] Dr. Trevora Carmichael. Chancery House, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel [phone], Fax No. [phone]/0567. Patterson K.H. Cheltenham. "Charlton House", Whitepark Road, St. Michael, Barbados. Tel [phone]. Dr Richard L. Cheltenham. "Charlton House", Whitepark Road, St. Michael, Barbados. Tel [phone]. Cicely P. Chase. Seneca Chambers, Pinfold St, Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel [phone]; Fax No. [phone]. Tyrone C. Estwick. Capital Law Chambers, Suite G28, Weymouth Corporate Centre, Roebuck St, St. Michael, Barbados. Telephone [phone] (Home), Fax No. [phone].

Sir Henry Deb. Forde, Fidelity House, Wildey Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados. Tel [phone] or [phone] (Home). Fax No. [phone]. Cable address: Jurichamber, Barbados.

John Fitzgerald Alexis Forde, Charlton House, White Park Road, St. Michael, Barbados. Telephone [phone], Fax [phone]. Latchman P. Kissoon, Firm of Kissoon & Hanoman-Kissoon, Synagogue Lane, Upper James St, Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel [phone]. Fax No.[phone].

Margaret A. Reifer, Alexander House, Pinfold St, Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel [phone]. Monique C. Taitt, Monford Chambers, Marjorie House, 136 Eagle Hall, St. Michael, Barbados. Tel [phone] or 424-4113 (Home), Fax No. [phone].

Randall Worrell, Roebuck St, St. Michael, Barbados. Tel [phone].

Leading Sectors for Export and Investment

Telecommunications Equipment

Barbados has liberalized its telecom market and there is full competition in the cellular and international sectors. Liberalization should continue to bring down the high long distance rates to the benefit of all international businesses.

Best Products/Services: Customer Premises Equipment and Cellular Telecommunications Equipment.

Opportunities: There will be a demand for customer premises equipment (PABX) and VSATS as companies are now being allowed to purchase their equipment directly from suppliers.

Building Products

Construction activity in 2005 received a significant boost from the construction of the new Hilton Hotel and the renovation to hotel properties. Overall construction activity for Jan.--Sept. 2005 grew by 8.2%. The residential sector is expected to increase in 2006 with new housing projects and the activity associated with Barbados' preparation for Cricket World Cup in 2007.

Best Prospects/Services: Lumber

Opportunities: Private sector construction (hotel upgrades, golf course development, and retail and office complexes) are ongoing. There are eight villa and condo projects under construction on the west coast. There are plans to construct at least two new hotel properties within the next couple of years.

Computers and Peripherals

Government is undertaking an Education Sector Enhancement Project (EDUTECH), in which computers, information technology equipment and software are to be installed in the schools.

Best Prospects/Services: Local Area Network Equipment, Mini Computers and Printers.

Opportunities: The Inter-American Development Bank is funding the EDUTECH Project, providing opportunities for companies interested in supplying computers.

Hotel and Restaurant Equipment

There continues to be a demand for hotel and restaurant equipment. The Government is offering incentives to hoteliers and bed and breakfast establishments to upgrade their facilities to meet the demand for hotel rooms during Cricket World Cup 2007.

Best Prospects/Services: Resort Furnishings/Equipment and Food Preparation Equipment.

Opportunities: This sector should experience growth in 2006 with the completion of upgrades to hotels in Barbados ahead of the winter season.

Sporting Goods & Recreational Equipment

With the opening of new golf courses and a polo playing field, there was a demand for sporting goods and recreational equipment.

Best Products/Services: Golf Equipment and Resort/ Leisure Facilities Equipment

Opportunities: Plans to build two new golf courses create market opportunities for these products.

Agricultural Sector

Barbados is the ninth largest market in the Caribbean for US farm products. In FY 2005 the US exported US$63.8 million worth of agricultural, fish and forestry products to Barbados, up 24% from FY 2004. In the bulk commodities category (the US exported US$17.6 million to Barbados in FY 2005), the best opportunities continue to be in soybeans, wheat, coarse grains and rice. In the intermediate agricultural category (US$5.5 million in US exports in FY 2005), best market prospects continue to be in the sugar/sweeteners/beverage base category and in vegetable oils. US vegetable oil exports to Barbados reached a new high in FY 2005. At US$14.3 million in FY 2005, US exports of forest products to Barbados registered a 24% gain from FY 2004. Softwood/treated lumber and panel products are the main export items in this category.

However, the largest of all categories is the consumer-oriented products category (including seafood), which in FY 2005 totaled US$26.5 million for US suppliers. Domestic agricultural output and food processing is limited; Barbados relies on imports of practically the full range of food products.

A thriving tourism sector further fuels the demand for food products, particularly snacks, red meats, dairy products, eggs and egg products, fresh fruits and vegetables, processed fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, wine and beer. With roughly a 40% share of Barbados' imports in the consumer-oriented and seafood category, US exporters have room to increase their sales. Some individual product categories, which are produced locally, are protected with high tariffs, namely poultry, pork, ice cream and others.

Soybeans

Most if not all of the demand is handled by Roberts Manufacturing and its sister companies, which produces animal feeds, vegetable oils, margarine, shortening and other similar products derived from soybeans. With no local soybean production, Barbados is fully dependent on imports.

Wheat and Meslin

Much the same as with soybeans, Barbados is entirely dependent on wheat imports to satisfy its demand.

Edible Fruit, Nuts, Peel of Citrus Fruit

The tourism sector helps fuel demand for fresh produce.

Meat and Meat Preparations

Despite restrictions on bone-in cuts, fresh and frozen meat products remain key import items. The tourism sector helps fuel the demand, particularly for high-end product.

Eggs & Egg Products

Barbados' poultry industry is dependent on import of hatching eggs.

Import Regulations

Barbados has implemented CARICOM's Common External Tariff for goods, with import duties ranging from 0--20%. Some items carry a higher import duty rate such as: fruits and vegetables 40%, jewelry 60%, watches 50%, motor vehicles 45%; The environmental levy rates that vary from the standard 1% are on motor vehicles (US$75.00 per vehicle), refrigerators (US$7.50 per refrigerator), and TV sets (US$5.00 per set). Goods imported in other than containers of plastics, glass, metal or paperboard incur a 0.75% environmental level of Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value.

Excise tax is charged on alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, motor vehicles, and petroleum products. Examples of excise tax rates are as follows: sparkling wine (US$1.75 per liter), vodka (US$6.75 per liter), cigarettes containing tobacco products (US$0.235 per 5), motor vehicles (46.95, 64.35, 76.34, or 93.73%t, depending on the engine capacity and chargeable value), petroleum products (gasoline US$0.35 per liter), and liquefied propane (24.65%).

The Value Added Tax (VAT) was instituted on Jan 1, 1997, replacing 11 different taxes, which fell primarily on imports. The VAT is levied at 15% on most goods and services and 7.5% on hotel accommodations. Many basic food products, and some goods and services, for example: International Business Cos., financial services, water and medical services, have been zero-rated or exempted.

Trade Barriers

Barbados requires that importers obtain permits, licenses or permission for specified products. Phytosanitary certificates are required for fresh fruit, vegetables, and plants and plant materials. Overseas health certificates must accompany meat and meat products. Psychotropic and other controlled drugs are subject to licenses from the Ministry of Health. A number of other products must meet requirements from the Barbados National Standards Institution.

Openness to Foreign Investment

Barbados is open for business. The Government through the Barbados Investment and Development Corp (BIDC), strongly encourages foreign direct investment, particularly in industries that create jobs and earn foreign currency.

Government offers incentives for foreign investments in the hotel industry, manufacturing, and offshore business services. Example: International Business Cos. (IBCs) have a maximum tax rate of 2.5% and exemption from foreign exchange controls.

The services sector holds the largest potential for growth, especially in the areas of financial services, e-commerce, tourism, educational, health, and cultural services. The slow demise of the sugar industry has opened up land for other agricultural uses; investment opportunities exist in the areas of Sea Island cotton and hydroponics. In the financial services sector, offshore banks and insurance companies saw a drop-off in activity as the government improved regulatory oversight, but the industry is thriving again under standards, designed to prevent money laundering and tax evasion.

Telecom liberalization has brought an end to the longstanding monopoly by Cable & Wireless, and lowered the cost of international telecom, and enhanced the telecom infrastructure. Since 2000, government has gradually allowed more companies to compete, and by early 2005 there was full competition in wireless and long distance service. The government is still considering Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) regulations, and that sector should open up soon. To prepare a workforce skilled in advanced IT services, government and educational institutions such as the Barbados Community College and the University of the West Indies have undertaken educational and training initiatives.

Foreign nationals receive the same protection as locals. By Caribbean standards, the police and court systems are efficient and unbiased in commercial matters, and the government operates in an essentially transparent manner.

Local enterprises generally welcome joint ventures with foreign investors in order to access technology, expertise, markets, and capital. The economy is small, however, and new enterprises that might compete with entrenched local establishments, especially in the retail and restaurant sector, may face a de facto veto of their license. Government has blocked imports of U.S. ice cream and poultry products, and denied licenses to franchisees interested in establishing a McDonald's, Little Caesar's, and Subway.

In manufacturing, the Barbados Investment and Development Corp. (BIDC) has established 10 well-equipped industrial parks with subsidized rent. It may also supply limited training grants and free technical assistance through two programs, the Export Grant and Incentive Scheme and the Technical Assistance Program, with a focus on developing local businesses. The former helps both locally and foreign-owned companies (but only those foreign companies with management or marketing branches in Barbados) by defraying export costs such as the preparation and shipment of samples and the development of marketing materials.

The Fiscal Incentives Act (1974) provides a maximum 10-year tax holiday to any manufacturer of an approved product, provided that it meets the definition of an enclave enterprise: manufacturing exclusively for export outside of CARICOM; products containing a specified percentage of local value added; or being highly capital intensive. Such enterprises may import duty-free equipment, spare parts, and raw materials from outside CARICOM. Dividends to shareholders during the tax holiday are also exempt from the payment of income tax. Non-resident shareholders liable to tax in their country of residence are subject to Barbados withholding tax at a lower rate. To qualify, the enterprise must apply to the Ministry of Industry and International Business.

In tourism, a Market Development Allowance permits a company to deduct an additional 50% of what it spends encouraging tourists to visit Barbados. Under the Tourism Development Act of 2002, investors can write off capital expenditure and 150% of interest. They are also exempt from import duties, the value added tax, and environmental levies on furniture, fixtures and equipment, building materials, supplies, and equity financing. The Act expands the definition of the tourism sector to include restaurants, recreational facilities, and services. It encourages the development of attractions that emphasize the island's natural, historic, and cultural heritage, and also encourages construction of properties in non-coastal areas.

Offshore businesses may operate either free of income tax (e.g., captive insurance, foreign sales corporations) or with a tax rate from 1 to 2.5%. An International Business Co. (IBC) must 100% of its manufacture in order to enjoy low tax rates on gains and profits:

International financial service companies also enjoy several tax incentives. Under the Exempt Insurance Act, a company incorporating with a minimum capital of US$125,000 and at least one Barbadian director is eligible for taxation on profits at 0% for the first 15 years, and 2% percent on the first US$250,000 of profits thereafter, and exemption from withholding tax and exchange control restrictions. Beneficial shareholders also must not be persons resident in CARICOM. In 1998, legislation allowed companies involved in international insurance to register as Qualifying Insurance Companies, entitled to a tax rate of 2.8%, after deducting a foreign currency earnings allowance, and exemption from withholding taxes and exchange controls.

The International Trust Act allows non-residents to create trusts for the benefit of non-residents, with no minimum capital requirements and no withholding taxes, but subject to a 40% tax on profits earned in or remitted to Barbados. Societies of Restricted Liability, which may not acquire land in Barbados or transact business with CARICOM residents, enjoy concessions for up to 30 years, including exemption from exchange controls and withholding tax on dividends, royalties, interest, or other interest paid to non-residents. The EU's 2001 WTO challenge to U.S. Foreign Sales Corporations (FSC) has eliminated the exemption to U.S. taxes previously enjoyed on profits derived from FSC export sales.

The Shipping Incentives Act of 1982 provides concessions to companies engaged in the operation of passenger ships, leasing of ships, shipbuilding, maintenance or repair. Concessions include a 10-year exemption on tax and custom duties on materials connected with the shipping activities.

Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment

Barbados has a small stock exchange, an active banking sector, and opportunities for portfolio investment. Government has intervened in recent years to raise or lower interest rates, limit the volumes of funds available for borrowing, and borrow on the local market. Investors may access a variety of credit instruments.

The domestic financial sector at the end of 2005 consisted of 7 commercial banks, 11 finance companies, and 3 trust companies. As of Nov. 2004, the offshore sector included 4,635 international business companies, 413 exempt insurance companies, and 53 offshore banks. Starting in 2001, the government required Barbados' institutions and legal entities to reveal the identity of beneficiaries receiving dividends or interest, with the possible penalty for US companies of not getting the benefits of the US-Barbados tax treaty and being subject to the full US withholding tax at a rate of 30-31%.

Assets of commercial banks totaled US$4.0 billion in Oct. 2005, having grown steadily throughout the year. The reserve requirement for commercial banks is 17% of deposit liabilities and the minimum deposit rate is 4.75%. The weighted average interest rate was 3.81% on deposits and 10.56% on loans in Oct. 2005. (Note: Comprehensive 2005 stock exchange data not yet available at time of publication--check with the Barbados Stock Exchange at 246-436-9871 or www.bse.com.bb for the most recent data.)

Labor

The labor force was about 148,000 in the following sectors: commerce, tourism, government, manufacturing, construction, agriculture and fishing. Unemployment for 2005 was estimated at 8.5%.

Wages are among the highest in the Caribbean. Minimum wages for only a few categories of workers are established and enforced by law. The minimum wage for shop assistants, US $2.50 per hour, is only marginally sufficient to meet minimum living standards; however, most employees earn more. The standard workweek is a 40-hour, 5-day week. Law, custom, and practice dictate overtime payment for hours worked in excess of 40 hours. Workers are guaranteed a minimum of 14 days of annual leave and are covered by unemployment benefits legislation and National Insurance (social security) legislation.

Trade unions, and the leaders of the trade union movement, enjoy a unique and generally respected position. The major unions recognize the advantages accruing from foreign investment and foreign expertise, and are generally flexible in their dealings with employers. Some 19-20% of the labor force belongs to trade unions, but all key sectors are unionized, with all private and public employees in agriculture, tourism, and at the airport and seaport belonging to a single union confederation.

Foreign Direct Investment Statistics

The Barbados Investment and Development Corp. (BIDC) reported that foreign companies and individuals invested BDS$6,767,137 in the first three quarters of 2005, BDS$26,694,227 in 2004, BDS$9,798,518 in 2003, and BDS$8,604,936 in 2002. New investment totaled BDS $3,899,000 in 2004, up from BDS $2,783,700 in 2003 and BDS $1,350,000 in 2002. (Note: These are not official FDI statistics, but are based on a BIDC survey.)

Major US Investors: American Airlines, Barbados Mills (Archer Daniels Midland), Bondhus Corp., Carib Supply (B'dos) Ltd., Charles T. Gamble Industries, Chevron Texaco, Cingular Wireless, Cirrus Logic, Citicorp Merchant Bank, Continental Airlines, C F Caribbean Flavors, Delta Airlines, Ecolab Barbados Ltd. (joint venture), Ernst & Young, ExxonMobil, Federal Express, Lenstec Ltd., MSI International Ltd., Pricesmart Inc., PriceWaterhouseCoopers, United Parcel Service (UPS), U.S. Airways, Waggoner Barbados Ltd.

Contacts for Investment Related Inquiries:

Barbados Investment and Development Corp. (BIDC) Pelican House, Princess Alice Highway, Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Email: [e-mail]. Website: http://[e-mail] BIDC--Miami Office. 130 Alhambra Circle, Suite 1000, Coral Gables, Florida 33134. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone] BIDC--Los Angeles Office. 3440 Wilshire Blv, Suite 1207

Los Angeles, California 90010. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone] BIDC--New York Office. 800 2d Ave, 2nd Fl, New York, NY 10017-4709. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Email: [e-mail] Ministry of Industry and International Business. The Business Center. Upton, St. Michael. Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Website: http://www.barbadosbusiness.gov.bb

Commercial Banks:

The Bank of Nova Scotia. P.O. Box 202. Broad St Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone] Barbados National Bank. Broad St Bridgetown, Barbados Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

First Caribbean International Bank. Warrens St. Michael, Barbados Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Republic Bank of Trinidad & Tobago (RBTT). P.O. Box 1007C. Broad St Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Caribbean Financial Services Corp. Radley Court, Collymore Rock. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone] Citicorp Merchant Bank Ltd, 2nd Fl, ITC Bldg. Warrens Commercial Centre. Warrens, St. Michael. Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone] Bank of Butterfield. Trident House. Lower Broad St. Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone] Royal Bank of Canada. Barbados & Eastern Caribbean Regional Office. 1st Floor, Building 1, Chelston Park. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Project Financing 

Government focuses its resources on education, health care, tourism, social services, and the upkeep of the environment. Large-scale project financing is available from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

United States Embassy Trade Contacts:

US Dept of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service Michael L. McGee, Regional Senior Commercial Officer US Embassy--Santo Domingo. Address for mail from the US: American Embassy, Unit 5515, APO AA 34041, Box: 508. International Mail Address: Cesar Nicolas Penson esq. Leopoldo Navarro Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail]

US Dept of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service, Doreen Weekes, Commercial Specialist. US Embassy--Bridgetown. Address for mail from the US: US Commercial Service; CMR 1014; APO, AA 34055 USA. International Mail Address: P.O. Box 302, Bridgetown, Barbados, W.I. Tel: [phone] Ext. 2240. Fax: [phone]. E-mail: doreen.weekes@mail. doc.gov

U.S. Dept of State. John Ashworth, Economic Officer. US Embassy--Bridgetown. Address for mail from the US: POL-ECON; CMR 1014; APO, AA 34055 USA. Intl Mail Address: P.O. Box 302, Bridgetown, Barbados, W.I. Tel: [phone] Ext. 2230; Fax: [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail].

Trade Associations/Chambers of Commerce

Barbados Association of Professional Engineers. P.O. Box 666. Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone] Barbados Bar Association. Geddes Grant Bldg. White Park Rd. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]

Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Mr. Ruall Harris, Exec Dir. Nemwil House. Collymore Rock. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone] Barbados Employers' Confederation. Nemwil House. Collymore Rock. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone] Barbados Hotel and Tourism Assoc. Fourth Ave, Belleville, St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone] or 429-7113.

Barbados Manufacturers' Assoc. Pelican Industrial Park. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone] or 427-9898. Fax: [phone]

Barbados Sugar Industry Ltd. Warrens. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]

Barbados Coalition of Services Industries (BSCI). Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Website: http://www.bsci.org.bb. E-mail: [e-mail]

Barbados International Business Assoc. Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Caribbean Assoc. of Industry and Commerce Inc. P.O. Box 259. S.P. Musson Bldg. Hincks St. Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: [phone]

Caribbean Broadcasting Union. Wilkins Lodge. Two Mile Hill. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Caribbean Conservation Association. Savannah Lodge. Garrison. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Insurance Assoc of the Caribbean. IAC Bldg. Collymore Rock. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail]

Barbados Assoc. of Insurance and Financial Advisors Inc. Room 411. 3rd Fl, Norman Center, Broad St, Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: [phone]

Shipping Assoc of Barbados Ltd. 2d Fl., Trident House, Broad St. Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone].

Govt of Barbados--Selected Ministries:

Office of the Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs. Minister for the Civil Service. Owen S. Arthur, MP. Govt Headquarters, Bay St, St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs. Mia Mottley, Frank Walcott Bldg. Culloden Rd, St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. Dame Billie A. Miller, MP. #1 Culloden Rd. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Minister of Industry and International Business. Dale D. Marshall. The Business Centre, Upton. St. Michael Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Minister of Commerce, Consumer Affairs & Business Development. Sen. Lynette Eastmond, Minister. Reef Rd. Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Minister of Labour and Social Security. Rawle Eastmond. "Clarence Greenidge House", Keith Bourne Complex. Belmont Rd, St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Minister of Health, The Jerome Walcott, Jemmott's Lane. St. Michael. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Minister of the Public Works and Transport. Gline A. Clarke. P.O. Box 25. The Pine, St. Michael, Barbados, Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Minister of Housing and Lands. Elizabeth Thompson. The National Housing Corp., Country Rd, St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Sen. Erskine Griffith. Graeme Hall, Christ, Church, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Market Research Firms:

Applied Marketing Consultants. James Nurse, Managing Director. Lowland Rd. Christ Church, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Marketing Specialists (Caribbean) Ltd. Wendell Callender, Managing Dir., Wildey Plaza, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Systems Consulting Ltd, Stephen Broome-Managing Director. Baslen House, Kingston Terrace. St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone].

Development Banks, Agencies and Central Bank:

Barbados Investment and Development Corp. (BIDC). Pelican House. Princess Alice Highway. Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone] Central Bank of Barbados. Central Bank Bldg, Church Village. Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Development Banks and Agencies:

Caribbean Development Bank, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone].

Inter-American Development Bank. Maple Manor. Hastings, Christ Church. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Caribbean Export Development Agency. Mutual Bldg. Hastings, Christ Church. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone].

Washington-based U.S. Government Country Contacts:

U.S. Dept of State. Desk Officer for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Rm 3248. 2201 C Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20520. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

Office of the US Trade Rep., 600 17th St, NW. Washington, D.C. 20506. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

TPCC Trade Information Centre. Washington. 1-800-USA-TRADE. 1-800-872-8723

US Dept of Commerce. Michelle Brooks. Desk Officer Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. 14th & Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20230. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]

US Dept of Agriculture. Paul Hoffman--Director. Caribbean Basin Agricultural Trade Office. Suite 720, 909 SE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33131. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. http://www.cbato.usda.gov