A new home for Commonwealth values in Barbados

Commonwealth Society Barbados Plans for Commonwealth House

The Commonwealth Society of Barbados has announced exciting plans for the creation of its first permanent headquarters, Commonwealth House.

The historic Government-owned Pine Plantation House on Pine Road, St Michael, has been leased to the Commonwealth Society Barbados for restoration and renewal. Once completed, the site will serve as a vibrant hub for Commonwealth activity, dialogue, and collaboration in Barbados, fittingly coinciding with the Society’s 40th anniversary.

On the 6^th October 2025, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, President of Barbados, Patron and Life Member of the Commonwealth Society of Barbados, joined Commonwealth Secretary-General the Hon Shirley Botchwey for a ceremonial unveiling of a plaque to mark the beginning of restoration works.

Building a home for civil society 

Chairperson Cheryll Belle described the establishment of Commonwealth House as a significant milestone for the Commonwealth Society of Barbados and the wider Commonwealth family:

“Creating a home for RCS Barbados and other like-minded Commonwealth-accredited organisations allows us to better carry out the aspirations of Commonwealth Value No. 16, The Role of Civil Society.”

Belle outlined the Society’s vision for the property, noting that the ground floor will serve as a space for community engagement and Commonwealth programming, while the upper floor of the main building will be leased to generate sustainable income for the upkeep of the property.

The restoration will take place in four phases, Ms Belle expressed gratitude to local benefactors and international partners for their contributions, including a donation from the Ben Delo Foundation (UK) which will support Phase Two of the project. She also appealed to the private sector for continued support.

Investing in youth and the future 

A key focus of the Commonwealth Society of Barbados’s mission remains its work with young people. As Belle emphasised, the organisation seeks “to engender confidence, encourage leadership skills, and raise awareness of the roles and responsibilities of young citizens.”

Secretary-General Botchwey commended the Society’s longstanding commitment to youth empowerment, education, and inclusion, remarking that:

“Your focus is consistent with the Commonwealth’s new strategic direction. One of my key goals is to leverage strategic partnerships to bring digital skills and entrepreneurship to millions of youth across the Commonwealth through distance learning.”

A landmark for the Commonwealth in Barbados 

With the creation of Commonwealth House, the Commonwealth Society of Barbados takes a bold step toward ensuring a lasting presence for Commonwealth values in the Caribbean. The new headquarters will not only honour the Society’s 40-year legacy but also strengthen its role as a beacon for dialogue, cooperation, and community action in the years ahead.

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 The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.