National Association of Barbados Organizations

The main activity in NABO’s first four years of existence has been sponsorship of annual convention of Barbadians and Barbadian organizations, usually on the American Independence Celebration weekend. The convention is essentially a forum of Barbadians, people of Barbadian heritage and others interested in Barbados, to discuss the issues which affect them in their communities in the US., and those which affect their families in Barbados; and to formulate plans to address these issues. It is also a marketplace for Barbadian manufacturers, producers, artists, performers and inventors to display and promote their work. It is an excellent networking and marketing opportunity for those Barbadians who desire contact with a greater number of their fellow-Barbadians, and exposure to potential customers, clients and other kindred spirits. To shape its direction in the last four years of this century, NABO is developing a strategic (action) plan, which is based on the ideas, suggestions and recommendations garnered from the past four conventions. This document will provide the basis for launching NABO as a formative force in the development of Barbados and Barbadians at the beginning of the 21st Century. NABO has produced a newsletter -- Bajan News, and is developing a data base of information on Barbados and Barbadians in the United States.

NABO lists eleven Goals and Objectives in its constitution, some are listed below:

#1. To assist in the orientation and adaptation of Barbadian and American residents of origins in Barbados to the American society and to foster a better understanding of the USA.

# 3. To provide a forum of communication among different Barbadian and Caribbean communities residing in the USA.

# 4. To provide a national voice for Barbadians and Americans of origins in Barbados and function as a support system for member Barbadian organizations.

# 6. To assure the rights of Barbadians and Americans of origins in Barbados residing in the USA.

# 7. To preserve and promote Barbadian cultural heritage.

# 9. To promote the economic, social and educational advancement of the Barbadian people.

Structure

Conventions

Member Organizations

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Chairman: Les Burnett

Immediate Past Chairman:

Mike Cummins

Vice Chairman: Fitz Rowe

Secretary: Janice Bispham

Treasurer: Dave Thornhill

Executive Director: Bonita Ebb

Chairman Emeritus: Ken Knight

Regional Directors

North: Pat Lindo CT

South: Beresford Husbands USVI

East: Cardenia Franklyn NY

West: Martin Greenidge CA

1993 Atlanta, GA

1994 Washington, D.C.

1995 Boston, MA

1996 Atlanta, GA

1997 New York, NY

1998 Baltimore, MD

1999 Ft Lauderdale, FL

2000 Barbados

2001 Los Angeles

2002 Hartford, CT

2003 Detroit, MI

2004 (Details to be announced shortly)

Barbados Association of Atlanta

Barbados Association of Bermuda

Barbados American Caribbean Association of Chicago

Barbados American Society of Hartford

Barbados Association of Bermuda

Barbados Association of California

Barbados Association of Central Florida

Barbados Association of Greater Houston

Barbados Cultural and Educational Society of Florida

Barbados International Association of the Great Lakes, Inc.

Barbados National Association of Baltimore

Barbados National Association of Washington D.C.

Barbados Uh Cum Frum

The Barbadian Cultural Committee of Boston, Inc.

The Barbados Nurses Association of America, Inc.

Barbados Association of St. Thomas and St. John - USVI

Caribbean Caroline Association

Caribbean Heritage Association, Inc.

Council of Barbados Organizations, New York Inc.

Harrison College/Queen’s College (USA) Association, Inc.

St. Michael’s Alumni Association, Inc.