Pamela R Haynes interviews Anthony Branker Consul General of Barbados at Toronto, Canada

It is my absolute pleasure to welcome Mr Anthony Branker, JP, Consul General of Barbados in Toronto, Canada, to the Unedited Conversations Podcast, as part of our special series celebrating Barbados at 60. Mr Branker is a proud Barbadian who brings a wealth of professional experience, leadership and a passion for serving his country to his diplomatic role. With over 25 years of experience in business leadership, international logistics, retail and distribution, he has built a distinguished career before taking up his appointment as Consul General in September 2025. Today, he plays an important role in connecting Barbadians living in Canada with their homeland, strengthening relationships and ensuring that the voices and interests of the Barbadian diaspora continue to be heard. As Barbados celebrates 60 years of Independence, there could hardly be a better time to explore what it means to be Barbadian, the importance of preserving our cultural identity and the role of the diaspora in shaping the island's future. As a British-born woman of Barbadian heritage, these conversations are particularly close to my heart. They provide an opportunity to celebrate our history, honour those who came before us and consider the legacy we are leaving for future generations. Today, we will be talking about Mr Branker's journey from the world of business into diplomacy, his experiences representing Barbados abroad, his hopes for the next generation and, of course, what Barbados means to him personally. Mr Branker, welcome to Unedited Conversations. It was an absolute pleasure to have you join me.