Politics may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Barbados, but it’s one of many aspects of this Caribbean island that makes it unique. And you can’t talk about Barbadian politics without mentioning Mia Mottley. Allow us to introduce you to this trailblazing leader who has climbed the ranks to become one of the Caribbean’s most influential and inspiring political powerhouses.
Early Ambitions
Mia Amor Mottely was born on October 1, 1965, in the capital city of Bridgetown to a family who were big on public service. Her dad, Elliott Mottley, was not only a respected barrister but also once attorney-general of Bermuda. Her grandfather, Ernest Mottley, was the first mayor of Bridgetown. You could say that her destiny in the world of politics was practically written in the stars.
Growing up, Mia was very much influenced by her family’s dedication to public service, so it’s not surprising that she developed a passion for politics and justice. After high school at Queen’s College in Bridgetown, she took her ambitions across the pond to the London School of Economics, where she earned a law degree with a specialization in advocacy.
Paving the Way in Politics
After completing her studies, Mia returned to Barbados and dove right into the political scene. She wasted no time joining the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), and in 1991, at the age of just 26, she served as an Opposition Senator. Mia’s drive, charisma, and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. She quickly became a standout among her party mates and made quite a splash with the public.
Fast forward to 1994, the BLP swept the general elections and Mia’s star only shone brighter. That same year, she was appointed the role of Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture, making her one of the youngest people to hold a ministerial portfolio in Barbados. But Mia didn’t stop there.
In 2001, Mia Mottley was appointed Attorney General and Deputy Prime Minister of Barbados, becoming the first woman to ever hold that position in Barbados. On May 25, 2018, Mia raised the bar even higher when she took her oath as the eighth Prime Minister of Barbados, smashing the glass ceiling as the first female PM on the island.
Champion of Climate Change and Environmental Issues
As the Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley has championed many causes, but one of her biggest concerns has been climate change. She’s very outspoken about the dangers of global warming and the effects it’s having on Barbados and the Caribbean as a whole.
Think about it—islands like Barbados are sitting right in the danger zone of climate change. Rising sea levels, extreme weather and loss of biodiversity are just a few of the effects that Caribbean islands are already experiencing. Mia has been fiercely advocating for change, putting the spotlight on the severity and urgency of these issues.
To help raise awareness of environmental concerns, Mia has spoken at numerous international climate conferences, where she fights for the interests of small islands like Barbados. Her goal is to gain more support from international leaders and heads of corporations to battle climate change and put more emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable practices.
Redefining Barbados: From Monarchy to Republic
But climate change has not been Mia’s only focus. She has also been a pivotal player in Barbados’ progression as a fully independent nation. Thanks to her efforts, Barbados officially abolished the constitutional monarchy and became a republic on November 30, 2021. For the first time ever, Barbados now has its own head of state.
Not surprisingly, Barbadians everywhere cheered the decision to move forward and leave the colonial past behind. It was yet another defining moment for Mia, who has clearly proven that she’s a tenacious leader who’s not afraid of rocking the boat.
Mia Mottley For The Win
The bottom line? Mia Mottley is a true game changer. Her steadfast dedication to improve the lives of her people, tackle climate change, and guide her nation towards its own destiny are just a few of the things that set her apart from many other world leaders. As Barbados’ first female Prime Minister, she’s constantly breaking barriers and striving to make changes for the better, not just on her island but around the globe.
Image source: Flickr