Argentine Frigate ARA Libertad makes historic visit to Barbados

The Argentine Navy illustrious training ship, ARA Libertad, arrived at the Port of Bridgetown, Barbados as part of its 52nd training voyage, on September 20, 2024.

It was the ship’s fourth visit to the island, marking the 50th anniversary of its first stop in Barbados since 1974. The arrival of the ship was an important programme of naval tradition as all personnel were on deck in full formation, preceded by a military band playing, as the ship docked at the harbour of Bridgetown.

The ARA Libertad is a midship training carrier that combines hands-on and theoretical training for Argentina’s Naval Academy. Visits by this ship in the course of a journey to a number of ports around the world not only strengthen diplomatic relations but also provide invaluable experience for future naval officers from Argentina.

Throughout this voyage, the cadets and crew passed through an important stop in Barbados. The ship added a new international engagement to its list, which had been previously documented in visits to Baltimore, USA, and Recife, Brazil.

Argentina’s ambassador to Barbados, Ciro Luciano Ciliberto Infante, in honoring of the crew and in marking this occasion, organized the handing of a cocktail reception to the cadets and crew.

It was an activity which bonds a Barbadian officer, the Permanent Secretary Charles Brown, to an Argentinean delegate living in Barbados, the Deputy Commander of the Barbados Defence Force, Captain Graham Rocheford.

The cultural and culinary night celebration also marked a milestone for the long-standing friendship existing between Argentina and Barbados.

At the reception, the ambassador presented Navy Captain Alfredo Ureta, commanding officer of the ARA Libertad, with two photographs of the ship taken in the Barbadian waters.

These images taken by local photographer Bradley Benskin and Charles McClean celebrated the legacy of the vessel and its historical visits to the island.

Guests were treated to a variety of traditional Argentine delicacies such as empanadas, skewers of asado, carbonada criolla, and fine Argentine wines representing the richness of Argentine culture and cuisine.

Besides the diplomatic activities, the visit contained the educational and cultural events in which the cadets underwent historical tours of the remarkable spots of Barbados. Such events were part of the mission for the vessel and provided the crew with not only professional immersion but also a rich cultural one.

After the weekend filled events, the ARA Libertad headed towards its next destination: to the port of Recife, Brazil, on Sunday, September 22. Its voyage is integral to the strategic mission of furthering international relations and to developing future naval leaders through intense training and outward-facing activities.

For Barbados, the visit stressed the significance of maintaining good international relationship ties while, in tandem, promoting cultural significance through the exchanges facilitated by such visits.

Leaving the waters of Barbados, ARA Libertad took with itself the good will and amity from the hearts of the Barbadian people that further deepens Argentina’s ties with the Caribbean.