About Barbados House of Montreal

Barbados House Montreal Inc. is a cultural organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating the rich heritage, traditions, and diversity of Barbados within the vibrant community of Montreal, Canada. It serves as a hub for individuals of Barbadian descent, as well as those interested in Barbadian culture, to connect, engage, and foster a sense of belonging.

Since 1971 located in Montreal Quebec, Barbados House (affectionately known) provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where members of the community can come together to share their experiences, preserve their cultural identity, and forge lasting connections. The organization offers a range of programs, events, and initiatives that reflect the spirit, history, arts, and customs of Barbados.

At Barbados House, visitors can expect to experience a diverse array of activities and resources. These may include cultural workshops, dance and music classes, language lessons, traditional culinary experiences, art exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and interactive educational programs. Through these offerings, Barbados House aims to promote cross-cultural understanding, appreciation, and unity among individuals from different backgrounds.

Barbados House also serves as a platform for showcasing the achievements and contributions of Barbadians in various fields, including arts, sciences, sports, and entrepreneurship. It provides opportunities for members to network, collaborate, and support one another, fostering personal growth and professional development within the community.

Additionally, Barbados House Montreal actively engages with the broader Montreal community, participating in multicultural events, festivals, and initiatives to promote diversity and cultural exchange. It collaborates with other organizations and community partners to create meaningful connections and amplify the voices and experiences of the Barbadian community.

Overall, Barbados House Montreal is a dynamic and inclusive cultural institution that celebrates the vibrancy and richness of Barbadian culture while nurturing connections and fostering a sense of community among individuals in Montreal. It serves as a bridge between Barbados and Montreal, preserving traditions, empowering individuals, and promoting cultural understanding and appreciation for generations to come.

Our Team

Cynthia Waitte

Cynthia WaithePresident

Cynthia Waithe, a proud first-generation Barbadian, holds a BA in Psychology from Concordia and has 33 years of experience in the corporate sector at UPS. Throughout her career, she has also worked in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, and Atlanta, Georgia (UPS World Headquarters).

In her notable journey, Cynthia has garnered recognition as a CBC Changemaker and was acknowledged as a UPS Canada District Trailblazer in 2021. She was also honoured as a WOMAN OF IMPACT by the Montreal Vendors in 2023.

Cynthia firmly believes in the significance of community building. Her active participation in supporting communities, both near and far, is evident through her involvement with organizations such as World Vision, Youth Stars, The Caribbean Coalition Network, Genesis Community Foundation, Le Groupe Black Wall Street, and her role as the president of Barbados House of Montreal Inc.

Kris

Kris Bennett 1st Vice President

Born in Guyana, son of Arch Deacon James Bennett ( Guyanese) and Mrs. Ivor Alleyne (Bajan), I was raised with my brother, in Barbados until I was 19. Upon moving to Montreal, I bonded quickly and was accepted by the Bajan community. I volunteered for various community groups, starting at Vanier College. Barbados has cultivated the person that I am and my beliefs. I have been proud to represent Barbados as a member of the Barbados House Montreal (BHM) these past 2 years. Like Barbados, a hugely proud small island with big dreams and goals, BHM is proud to be one of the longest-serving English Caribbean island associations in Canada.

Veronica

Veronica Payne2nd Vice President

Born in Barbados, Veronica Payne is a dedicated member of Barbados House Montreal. She has held roles as Past 1st Vice President and, and currently is our 2nd VP for the past two years. Her commitment extends to community service as a former board member of the Council for Black Aging Community of Montreal. Additionally, Veronica takes on a leadership role as the President of the Genesis Community Foundation.

Nigel Clarke

Nigel Clarke Treasurer

As past president of BHM Nigel has been at the center of many milestones.

I am happily married and blessed with a loving family, including a son and two wonderful grandchildren - a boy and a girl. Family has always been at the core of my life, and the joy they bring me is immeasurable.

One of my greatest passions in life is music. Whether it's singing my heart out or simply enjoying a beautiful melody, music has always been a source of inspiration and comfort for me. But my love for people is equally strong. I believe in the power of human connections and have always cherished the relationships I've built throughout my life.

I have a diploma in Computer Technology from Champlain College as well as a Certificate in computer science from Concorde University. I recently retired from BDC after 30 years as a database administrator.

Katrina

Katrina Nurse Board Member

Katrina’s passion lies in educating and nurturing the next generation. Between her non-profit initiative “She did that Prom” and tutoring elementary and high school students for over 17 years, Katrina has always given back to her local community and continues to do so whenever and wherever the opportunity presents itself.

Where career is concerned, Katrina’s experience extends across several fields from Educator to Daycare Director to past Executive Director of the Council for the Black Aging Community of Montreal to her current role as Director of Community initiatives for the YMCA NDG/CDN and Westmount.

Katrina is the recipient of three Montreal community-based awards including The Maria Brown Humanitarian Award and currently serves on the Board of Directors of four community organisations, all while actively participating in a wide variety of community projects & events.

Embedded in all facets of her life are the values and traditions of her Barbadian born parents. Katrina returns to Barbados several times a year keeping up with the current events and most notably Crop Over! Katrina is a proud descendant of Barbadian heritage and reps her flag with pride, confidence and a lil side of coucou and flying fish.

Lynette

Lynette CrichlowBoard Member

Lynette was born in St. Michael Barbados and immigrated to Canada in 1972. In Barbados Lynette attended Belmont Primary, Parkinson Secondary, Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity and Barbados Workers Union Labor College. Before immigrating to Canada she worked for the Barbados Government as well as CF Harrisons.

Lynette has always been an active community member whether it be at her church, St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Cote-des-Neiges or as the secretary for the Barbados House of Montreal. She is also a member of “The National Council of Barbados Association of Canada.”

Lynette enjoys travelling, gardening and luck filled nights at the casino! She is the mother of a daughter who she has proudly raised with all the Bajan customs and traditions. Lynette maintains strong ties to Barbados by returning frequently and cooking souse and macaroni pie for all her friends and family!

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