Press Release

New York City and Bridgetown, Barbados Sign Historic Sister City Agreement to Foster Economic Development and Strengthen Cultural Ties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 16, 2025

CONTACT: Malissa Ifill, IAmedia@cityhall.nyc.gov, (212) 319- 9439

This Relationship also Honors Shirley Chisholm Achievements and Contributions to Public Service

New York, NY — The City of New York and the City of Bridgetown, Barbados, proudly   signed a Sister City Agreement to commemorate their shared history, celebrate cultural connections, and foster meaningful collaboration. The agreement was formalized in a ceremony featuring New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Lorenzo Harewood, Consul General of Barbados in New York. This historic partnership highlighted the deep-rooted ties between New York City and Barbados, built on decades of migration and the flourishing Barbadian diaspora in New York. It also paid tribute to the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, a trailblazing Barbadian American who represented New York’s 12th Congressional District from 1969 to 1983. Congresswoman Chisholm’s legacy of uplifting women, advocating for marginalized communities, and fostering cultural and social initiatives inspires this collaboration.

 “As the parliamentary representative for the City of Bridgetown, I am extremely proud and excited about the establishment of a Sister City Agreement between the City of Bridgetown and the City of New York primarily for these two reasons,” said The Hon. Corey Lane, Member of Parliament for the City of Bridgetown, Barbados.  “Firstly, the signing of this agreement will facilitate the socio-economic development of the populace of both cities.  Secondly, this agreement will facilitate the continuation of the legacy of Shirley Chisholm through development projects and programs that will empower the residents and at-risk youth that reside in both cities.”

“This agreement solidifies the deep and enduring bond between Barbadians and New Yorkers. As home to the largest Barbadian-American community in the U.S., New York City is honored to take this meaningful step to foster mutual growth and strengthen collaborations that will benefit residents of both Bridgetown and New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Administration and Chief of Staff to the Mayor Camille Joseph Varlack. “We are proud to celebrate the legacy of Shirley Chisholm, a trailblazing Barbadian-American and New York icon, whose vision for equity and progress continues to inspire us. This sister-city agreement reflects her commitment to building a brighter future for marginalized and working-class communities around the world. By sharing innovative ideas and actionable solutions, we are paving the way for a future centered on quality of life, social equity, and cultural exchange for generations to come.”

 “Connecting local to global is at the heart of New York City, and we reaffirm that commitment by signing this MOU with Bridgetown, Barbados said Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Commissioner Edward Mermelstein.  “New York City is home to the largest Barbadian community in the nation, and it is an honor to collaborate with our sister city to celebrate our shared history and preserve the legacy of pioneers like Shirley Chisholm. As a global city, we recognize and appreciate every culture through meaningful relationships and cultural exchanges. Together, we are building bridges that unite us across borders.”

 “As Consul General of Barbados in New York, I am deeply honored to witness the historic signing of the Sister City Agreement between Bridgetown and New York City,” said Consul General of Barbados in New York Lorenzo Harewood. “This partnership is a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and collaboration that unite our two cities. It opens new opportunities for cultural exchange, economic growth, and mutual understanding, and underscores the shared commitment to a prosperous and vibrant future for both communities.”

The Sister City Agreement aims to:

• Honor Shirley Chisholm’ s Legacy: Serve as a tribute to Congresswoman Chisholm’s contributions to New York City and Barbados.
  
  
• Foster Economic and Social Development: Facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices in areas such as technology, youth engagement, and crime prevention.
  
  
• Promote Cultural Exchange: Enhance understanding and goodwill between the residents of both cities through social, cultural, and professional initiatives.
  
  
• Encourage Collaboration: Advance business relations, and educational opportunities that benefit both communities.

The Sister City Agreement also reinforces New York City’s commitment to fostering international goodwill, understanding, and cooperation. This partnership will benefit the residents of both cities, creating avenues for innovation, economic growth, and cultural exchange.

The signing of the Sister City Agreement between New York City and Bridgetown represents a new chapter of collaboration and mutual growth, building on a shared history and looking toward a brighter future.

“This Sister City Agreement is the result of months of hard work by our team and our external colleagues to strengthen the bond between New York City and Bridgetown,” said Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Deputy Commissioner for Policy & Strategic Partnerships and Chief of Staff, Aissata M.B. Camara. “Our office is proud to have led this effort, building a partnership that celebrates shared history while creating new opportunities for both cities. This agreement is a powerful reminder of the impact of subnational diplomacy, and we look forward to continuing this work in the spirit of Shirley Chisholm’s legacy.”

“New York City and Barbados share a dynamic relationship, and our office works daily to build strong cultural and economic ties,” said Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Invest and Innovation Dilip Chauhan. “We welcome this new opportunity to work together to advance these critical areas of collaboration. We remain committed to identifying innovative ways to partner with Barbados and strengthen our shared priorities.”

 “The Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute (SCCI) thanks New York Mayor Eric Adams and Barbados Member of Parliament Corey Lane for making this Sister Cities Agreement a reality, said Barbara Bullard, President and CEO of the Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute. “Bridgetown and Brooklyn were very dear to Ms. Chisholm’s heart and this Sister Cities Agreement, initiated by the Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute, stands as a profound testament to our shared commitment to fostering cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and sustainable development. In honoring Shirley Chisholm’s enduring legacy, we are not only celebrating her centennial birthday but also reinforcing the values she championed: equality, justice, and unity. Together, we aspire to build bridges across borders, nurturing a global community where all can thrive and contribute to a brighter and more inclusive future.”

About the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs:

The New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs fosters positive relations and encourages collaboration between the international community and New York City’s agencies and local neighborhoods. The Office is focused on promoting NYC’s economic development opportunities, sharing New York City’s policies and best practices globally, and responding to requests from foreign governments, the United Nations, and the U.S. Department of State. For more information, follow us on Twitter (now X), Instagram, Facebook, and our website.