Barbados High Commission

Within this atmosphere of a spiralling global pandemic it is understandable why many processes are slow and even delayed. What is incomprehensible, when a telephone is answered by a public body, in particular this embassy, that some measure of empathy is expressed for the concern raised. Then, wishful thinking may it be, for one to expect a reasonable courteous answer to be given for the enquiry made.

Unfortunately, when one emails this embassy, there is never a response even before Covid-19 and when one telephones the following results. An extremely haughty and discourteous response greets which fills the bucket of toxic aggression, proving that not only Covid-19 is a destructive force but that incivility is a virus!

This type of behaviour by an overseas diplomatic body is unacceptable, rudeness creates stress and affects the receiver. Such interactions act as assaults on parts of our identity. These types of negative actions indicate that one is not deemed important enough to be treated better.

I had to contact both the high commission in Barbados and London following the death of my husband on holiday in Barbados.

Both offices were extremely helpful, kind and clear. I've read some negative reports and cannot imagine why. They are polite and professional.

I would like to thank them all for their support and guidance

Anna

8th June 2017

I've just called the Commission to chase up my request for the Returning Home for Barbados nationals booklet.

The gentleman who answered the phone advised me he didn't know what booklet I was enquiring about and I must ring back when the young man who is covering for the usual receptionist.

He also asked me why I didn't obtain a name of the person I had previously spoken to.

I suggested that he send it out to me and take my name and address of which de declined. he said the staff there all worked in different departments and I've to ring back.

He works in Security.

Very Frustrating.

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Well done!

Just spoke to the 2 female passport section staff, 1 called simone and the other was older. I'm extremally disgusted and disappointed with the service i received and all i requested was information on a barbados passport on behalf of my brother who is flying to Barbados in a few days. I am still without the information i requested as i had the phone put down on me. It s making me as a british citizen assume that all bajan people are of this attitude. It saddens me because, the high commission reflects the country and for their staff to be obnoxiouxly rude to the public is absolutely ludicrous.

Shocking! I ended up flying to Barbados to sort out passport and get citizenship for my children. Why do Bajans in authority treat other Bajans so badly? It is a similar situation in Barbados, but at least I was on holiday even though half the time was spent doing admin.
Discuss it with other Bajans and they have a very resigned attitude. Expectations are very low regarding what the civil service can deliver.
Does anyone ever read these reviews?? Probably only staff at the consulate who might be worried about their jobs and who then post generic messages about how helpful the staff at the consulate are!
Wake up Barbados!

Name: ann
Location: barbados

Emailed a week ago about a rather urgent passport renewal. Still waiting for a response....

I am afraid I must echo the sentiments of most of the posters. I called for a simple query, and it seems as if as soon as the lady on the other end heard I was Bajan...her tone changed from being the cheerful and bright greeting I first got to an abrupt, disinterested and condescending tone. I was hurt and embarrassed to be treated this way by a compatriot. Won't be dealing with them again...I will send my passports to Barbados and wait the few weeks needed rather than deal with the London office.

The staff are not knowledgeable. Last year I attempted to call the office after checking the website . The telephone number had been changed and the website had not been updated. You cannot even go there and purchase a flag to keep in your home. I can go to a Market and purchase one. A number of us came here as nurses 10 years ago and notified the embassy we were here and interested in getting involved we are still holding our breath for a reply. The embassy seems to be an Elite club with only certain bajans getting information. Last year Independence celebrations was an example. Getting information was like pulling Teeth. I am finally on the email list after talking to someone there and giving them a bajan mouth full.

I rang for information on a generic subject, and didn't really expect a call back having rung other embassies with no joy.

To my utmost surprise, I received a call about 5 minutes later from a very well informed and pleasant young woman who gave me all the details I needed. Well done, Barbados Embassy!

Very helpful and to the point.

Very very poor, never return calls as promised, ignore e-mails and pass you through to different people who still cannot help with a simple application interview. Easier to buy a ticket to Barbados and do it their. Frustrating and an embarassment to Barbados.

I find the Staff, at the Barbados High Commission in London, very friendly. They are always willing to listen, to what you have to say, when you speak to them on the phone, or when you visit them at the Mission. I can truly say, I find them very helpful.

"In addition, they are here to assist their compatriots and to offer them the local representation of their homeland."

They certainly don't do that!! That statement should be removed completely!

They do not know how to talk to people. I rang to make an enquiry about an application and the man spoke to me like if we were in some kind of disagreement?!!! In addition, they do not appear to reflect the practices of Barbados!! It is preferable to deal with them in Bim and wait for 6 months than deal with them in the UK office.