Barbados’ government has taken umbrage with a recent travel advisory from the United Kingdom, especially because it cautions British tourists about possible terrorist attacks in the tranquil Eastern Caribbean nation.
Regarding the advisory as bizarre, the missive by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) suggested that “although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Barbados, attacks cannot be ruled out.”
The advisory noted that “there is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally, affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times,” the release stated.
Taken by surprise at the reference to possible terrorist attacks, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kerrie Symmonds was quick to link such fears of attacks on British nationals to “hateful and divisive policy making by countries in the North Atlantic.”
He told the Today online newspaper that while terrorist attacks on the 166-square-mile island are “highly improbable,” the fears of London have more to do with domestic and international policies being adumbrated by British governments and lawmakers.
“I don’t see any basis for even mentioning the issue of terrorism with respect to Barbados because it is obviously a nonexistent threat and highly improbable. But I imagine that, as with many countries in the North Atlantic, where, in recent times, right-wing public policy has alienated and offended both migrant populations and the dignity and self-respect of citizens of developing countries, there will be a concern about the potential backlash which such hateful and divisive policy making can cause. Perhaps that is the reason why the issue has been raised. But, as the report itself concedes, there is no recent history of such incidents in this country,” he said.
But Minister Symmonds did acknowledge that some references to violent and felony crimes on the island were on point with him saying that “in that regard, the report was faithful to the facts” as these refer to incidents of armed robberies, carjackings, and gang-related activities, among others.
In the advisory, the British government is also urging its nationals to be aware that in Barbados, “there have been incidents of violent crime, including armed robbery, sexual assault, gang-related shootings and carjackings.
“There has been an increase in gang-related murders involving guns. Some incidents have taken place in populated and public areas. Take sensible precautions to protect your personal safety,” the FCDO told citizens. “Take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season. Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewelry. Leave valuables and travel documents in a safe deposit box or secure hotel safe.”
It also had a word for LGBT+ travelers, noting that “in the Caribbean, attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly conservative. It is uncommon for opposite-sex or same-sex couples to show affection in public, for example, holding hands or kissing. Doing this may attract unwanted and negative attention.” It said,
As Barbadian authorities move to place the advisory in its proper context, the minister noted that “the first time that any reference to terrorism was raised in any such report was, I believe, in 2024, and it was again raised in 2025. In each case, within the context that British citizens face a global terror threat, but that there is no recent history of terrorism in Barbados, though it is impossible to say that it will never happen.”
Bajan tourism officials say that the island welcomed 160,749 stayover visitors from the UK up to the end of September, representing a slight decrease from 2024. While this is happening, there is evidence that the United States has been supplying greater numbers than the UK in recent months.
