Joyce Stanton

Joyce Stanton has been called “Barbados’ best ambassador in Boston.” That accolade was affixed by no less a person than Governor of Massachusetts Charlie Baker.

She may be resident in Boston, but Joyce is ever-present at Consulate activities in New York, and always ready to lend a hand doing whatever needs to be done.

Outgoing, kind hearted and unswerving in her love for Barbados, she came to the USA from Bank Hall 51 years ago to create a better life for her four children.

Settling in New York, she worked in hair salons and at Barneys before moving to Boston in 1993. Joyce, who worked in the hotel sector in Barbados before immigrating, secured a position at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge remaining there for 19 years before retiring.

It was during this period that she met Charlie Baker, who worked in the area as the CEO of a heath care company. So impressed was he with Ms. Stanton that on becoming Governor in 2015, he invited her to become his receptionist.

A relentless promoter of Barbados, in 2018, when she heard that the Consulate was raising the Barbados flag in Boston at the Mayor’s office, she turned up with a citation from the Governor. One of her memorable moments was presenting Prime Minister Mia Mottley at Ilaro Court, the official residence, with a citation from Baker marking Barbados’ transition to a Republic. Joyce was also instrumental in Consul General Mackie Holder securing a meeting with Governor Baker earlier this year and in organizing Team Barbados activities during the weekend trip.

Also an avid churchgoer, Ms. Stanton has been a member of St. Cyprian’s Church since 1993. She is a member of the ECW - Episcopal Christian Women, the Usher Board, Vestry and Altar Guild.

Joyce is looking forward to retiring to Barbados but will continue promoting Barbados to the many friends she has made in her decades in New York and Boston.