Above: Prime Minister Freundel Stuart (right) with the World Bank’s Kelvin Dalrymple and Rev. Dr Kortright Davis (Photo: BGIS)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Barbados is holding its own and intends to successfully weather the global downturn, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart told members of the Bajan diaspora in Washington, DC at a town hall meeting on Sunday.

Stuart also assured Barbadians that, country to domestic speculation, the country will not have to go to the IMF for support as it did in the 1980s and 1990s.

“Let me put that speculation to rest,” said Stuart, who will giving a series of speeches and paying courtesy calls during his five-day Washington visit this week.

While Stuart said the government’s social partnership would remain, Barbados is not heading towards a “handout” society, he said.

“Where hardships exist, that threaten the welfare of our children, government is duty bound to make sure that these hardships are alleviated,” he said.

Stuart also hailed the contributions of the country’s diaspora community, saying “our gratitude to you is not dimmed.”

“Barbadians have made and continue to make an enriching contribution to their country,” he said. “Particularly, the remittances which have been sent back over the years by Barbadians who have emigrated. In addition, I want to thank you and congratulate you for being excellent ambassadors for our country.”

In August, Barbados will be holding its second diaspora conference, called the Barbados Network Coalition, which Stuart urged the community to attend.

“Your country is still safe and your country is still attractive,” he said.