Winston Bayley (right) is congratulated by Sir Fred Gollop, acting Governor-General of Barbados, on being awarded the Gold Crown of Merit at the Barbados National Independence honours and awards ceremony in Barbados recently. - Contributed

Winston Bayley, the Honorary Consul for Barbados in Jamaica, was awarded the Gold Crown of Merit on the 41st anniversary of Barbados' independence.

He received the award in recognition of his outstanding contribution and unwavering commitment to the service of his country, and to the Barbadian people and students resident in Jamaica.

Warmth, hospitality

In the citation it was mentioned that he typifies the much advertised "warmth and hospitality of the Barbadian people in the execution of his duties as Honorary Consul, where he is called upon to act as diplomat, host, facilitator, adviser, advocate and liaison."

Mr. Bayley, who is the director of finance/university bursar for the University of the West Indies, was appointed Honorary Consul for Barbados in Jamaica in 1982. He was recognised for his national contribution by the Government of Barbados in 1994 when he received the Barbados Service Star.

He has represented Barbados on business and social occasions, interacting with a wide cross-section of government and private sector representatives in Jamaica, as well as consular and other diplomatic representatives of other countries.

He was Dean of the Consular Corps of Jamaica for three years, and received an award for outstanding performance during his tenure in that position.