Honorable Richard Sealy,
Barbados Minister of Tourism

Honorable Richard Sealy was sworn in as Barbados’ new minister of tourism, following the January 15, 2008 election which witnessed the Democratic party taking power for the first time since 1994. Minister Sealy hopes to minimize the tourism impact of a possible U.S. recession, while simultaneously strengthening the island’s key markets. Additionally, the Minister reiterated that his new administration will develop a tourism master plan rejuvenating and restructuring the tourism industry in Barbados.

Key areas of focus include: the development of community tourism, seeking to greater involve Barbadians of all walks of life; deepening the connection between agriculture and tourism industries; attracting greater local and international investment; plus strategically strengthening human resources development in Barbados.

The Minister believes that Barbadians are undoubtedly the island’s best resource and that establishing a greater level of interface between locals and visitors would drive more money into the economy. While he has accepted that there have been some positive developments in the accommodation sector of the industry, he feels that a cohesive plan is necessary for the island’s future development. 

“I think it is a must for Barbados. Traditionally with our finite physical resources, you have the precious marine environment, the all-inclusive properties and the condominium hotels [and] luxury properties. We have a range of properties, and that is what sets us apart from our competitors…We need to look at creating a balance and what’s in the national interest, so the master plan would help,” said Sealy.

Additionally, he has been conducting meetings to brief the administration on the current position of the industry, and to finalize budgetary estimates for the Ministry of Tourism and its related agencies, in coordination with Barbados’ new Parliament.

Minister Sealy holds a degree in Civil Engineering (1989) from the University of Florida, and a Masters in Business Administration (2005) from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill.