On May 23rd. 2022, TIME, one of the world’s leading news media outlets, listed Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, in the world’s Top 100 Influencial People.

Given a snapshot view of Mottley’s prowess, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Bank, described Barbados’ first Prime Minister as

Bold, fearless, and possessing a great intellect and wit, the Prime Minister is a brilliant politician who knows how to shake things up.

To record the occasion, veteran journalist and Barbados Weekly contributor, Dale Forde, caught up with a few young Barbadians and Caribbean citizens to get their views:

Prime Minister Mia Mottley being named amongst the most influential people of 2022 is nothing short of impressive and reinforces what many in the Caribbean region already know about the visionary Barbadian leader. As a champion for climate advocacy and social equality her stewardship on the world stage remains vital now more than ever to the sustainable development of our region.

I think it is extremely impressive and the feeling of pride is overwhelming. She is a truly exceptional leader and visionary and this is being acknowledged by the international community. I believe that she has our island’s interest at heart and the lengths she goes to is admirable. Congratulations to her and Barbadians on a whole, because this again is putting us out there to be taken seriously.

I think it’s a testament to her amazing leadership of Barbados and the Caribbean region. Especially during this challenging pandemic period. She’s really been an inspiration to us all and she’s also the epitome of Barbadian excellence.

Anonymous, Barbados

Barbados has become such an expensive place to live, such a difficult place to survive in and there are so many challenges we face on a daily [basis], that I quite honestly have reached the point that I just do not care about anything that does not impact me directly. So while it may be nice that the PM is on the cover of the magazine, I do not care about anything that does not impact me directly.

The islands of the Caribbean are unique in their position, and while many see the region as a paradise, we face many exogenous shocks. Our leaders, including PM Mottley, have had to wrestle with these challenge
to keep our region viable. In particular, PM Mottley has emerged as a stern and powerful voice on climate change, de-risking and other major issues affecting our region and any recognition of her leadership should be welcomed. However, with that applause there is a hope that her recognition would lead to real changes in how the global community sees the region and treat the important issues that we face daily.