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Barbados

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This packet of factual information has been prepared to help our investment and marketing team in there travels to Barbados. It is an independent English-speaking Commonwealth country with a dynamic economy. The most easterly of the Caribbean islands, it is just over three hours by plane from Miami, four and one-half hours from New York and eight hours from London.
The Heritage Foundation, 2012)
Once the merger has taken place and our new product line of tropical wines will be marketed and manufactured in Barbados the company and its C.E.O feel it would be beneficial to learn the ways of this lovely country as well as its people.
Doing business in Barbados can be a very exciting turn of events but we must remember to respect their long standing customs and business etiquette.
Barbadians have a tradition of politeness and civility, which is a legacy from their British influence and development. The island of Barbados is very densely populated and due to this the population live in very close proximity. So the tradition of politeness was developed to help avoid unpleasant meetings and confrontations.
The citizens of Barbados are strongly enveloped in the use of manners such as always saying “Good morning” to people even strangers. For them it seems to be a way they earn respect amongst their peers and community. A very good note to make from our research it is best to avoid discussing political issues and racial topis when first meeting a Barbadian. This holds true for formal business meetings as well. It is best to let any topic that need political analysis or points made to come up later in the meeting(s). (Kent, 2013)
They seem to appreciate a more formal method of greeting as well as meeting. The most common greeting is a handshake, this occurs between both sexes as a form of respect. Then it is followed by a salutation such as “pleased to meet you” or “good evening”. The absence of these greeting will be noticed so it is best to work them into your habits while conducting business in Barbados. The only time you will notice hugging and kissing at the point of greeting is between friends and family.
One very important thing to remember and always implement while in Barbados is that people have a tendency to communicate at arms length., unless they have a level of familiarity. If that is the case then the distance can decrease. One thing you may note is that when witnessing a conversation between friends or members of the opposite sex that, touching of hands is very common. However this is not the case between business colleagues and should be avoided.
Another point to note is that when you are introducing someone of Barbados it is frowned upon to use their first name unless you have a family bond or are a close personal acquaintance. You should always use a title to introduce them, especially in a business setting. Using their first name will be taken as an insult and reviewed as too causal. The proper etiquette is to introduce yourself first to a Bajan instead of allowing a third party to introduce you.
When meeting in areas that have serve providers such as restaurants, bars, or shops it considered good manners to always acknowledge the service providers, As well as making it a point to acknowledge person you may pass on the streets. Manners are held to a high standard on the island and the absence of what the Bajan consider good manners can be detrimental to any business deals. (World Travel Guide,2011)
One issue to keep in mind especially as you meet more business associate in casual settings is that the Barbadians are very protective of family. Any thing that can be construed as an insult to ones family are taken with high seriousness.
The common style of dress there is conservative even in the tropical climate they have. The men wear suits or at the least shirts and slacks in most setting and the women seem to be dressed as if attending church. Take note that swimwear, such as a bikini is only considered appropriate near the bodies of water.
Barbadians all and all are a very fun loving and pleasant people who love to get out and enjoy themselves. This may also be introduced in to your business meetings. They may want to conduct the meeting in a casual setting or bar. If this is the case the rules of formality and manners still hold true.

References
, Barbados Tourism Investment Inc (n.d.). Barbados Tourism Investment Inc. Retrieved 2013, from http://barbadostourisminvestment.com/
Barbados Tourism Encyclopedia (n.d.). Barbados Business: Business Environment. Retrieved from http://www.barbados.org/business_environment.php
Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (n.d.). Barbados: Fact Sheet on U.S. Relations. Retrieved from US Department of State website: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/26507.htm
Export.Gov (2011, July 29). Export.gov - Doing business in Barbados. Retrieved from http://export.gov/caribbean/doingbusinessinthecaribbeanregion/barbados/
The Heritage Foundation (2012). Barbados Economy: Population, GDP, Inflation, Business, Trade, FDI, Corruption. Retrieved from http://www.heritage.org/index/country/barbados
Kent, T. (2013, March 7). Barbados Government withholds hotel?s VAT refund for two years. BFP. Retrieved from http://http://barbadosfreepress.wordpress.com/tag/barbados-business-climate/
Trip Advisor (2012). Barbados: Tipping & Etiquette - TripAdvisor. Retrieved from http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g147262-s606/Barbados:Caribbean:Tipping.And.Etiquette.html
World Travel Guide (2011, January 5). Barbados History, Language and Culture. Retrieved from http://www.worldtravelguide.net/barbados/history-language-culture

MEMORANDUM:

To all associates traveling to Barbados this week for the new ribbon cutting ceremonies.
Here are the basic demographics of the country please study and commit these facts to memory.

Overview of Barbados Capital City | Bridgetown | President: | Owen Arthur | Official Language: | English | Currency: | Barbados Dollar | Exchange Rate: | US$ 1 = 2.02 Barbados Dollars | Land Area: | 166 square miles | Population: | 281,968 | Climate: | Tropical |
International Airport: Grantley Adams International Airport.
Major Port: Bridgetown, St. Michael.
(Export, Gov, 2011)

While in Barbados there a few tips to keep in mind when dealing with the citizens and business community.

When meeting a Barbadian, try not to discuss politics, and racial issues. .If you happen to bounce into someone, you should immediately apologize to the person. When introducing or referring to a Bajan, unless a close acquaintance or family, you should always use a title and surname. It is considered good etiquette to introduce yourself first to a Bajan, rather than relying on them or a third party to make any introductions. It is also seen as good manners to readily acknowledge service providers, such as bar staff, shop assistants or hoteliers In many Barbadian establishments, you may find that a 10-15% service charge has been automatically added to your bill. However, if you are pleased with your service, you can always tip your waiter or waitress accordingly. (Trip Advisory, 2012)

While traveling to Barbados keep in mind that The U.S. Ambassador to Barbados is Larry L. Palmer; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Barbados maintains an embassy in the United States at 2144 Wyoming Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008 (tel. 202-939-9200).
Keep these names and numbers handy in case you or any of your colleagues should encounter any difficulties.
(Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs)

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