Written by: Suzette Hinkson, Members and Activities Chair, HRMAB
As part of the Human Resources Management Association of Barbados’ (HRMAB) continued efforts to reconnect with our roots and honour those who laid the foundation, we are proud to present the “Learn About Our Leaders” series. This initiative is designed to spotlight the pioneers who helped shape the HR profession in Barbados and establish HRMAB as the leading voice for HR professionals across the island.
In this edition, I had the pleasure of sitting down with one such pioneer; Mr. Ed Bushell, a founding member of HRMAB whose journey into the HR field is as inspiring as it is unique.
From Trenches to the Boardroom: Ed Bushell’s Unconventional Entry into HR
Mr. Bushell’s entry into the human resources field did not follow the traditional path. He began his career at BARTEL (now Cable & Wireless) as a labourer digging post holes and trenches. A manager initially hesitated to accept his application, concerned that a Combermerian would be embarrassed by such work. Ed’s confident reply, “Sir, I’ll be working; they won’t be”, earned him the job.
That role lasted just one and a half days. His aptitude tests had impressed management, and by Monday, he was reassigned indoors as a technician. He quickly rose through the ranks to become a Senior Technical Officer. His involvement with the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) as President of his division eventually led to a pivotal meeting with senior executives. Much to his surprise, he was offered the role of HR Manager, with no prior formal experience.
Thrown into the deep end, he credits an excellent secretary and committed colleagues for helping him navigate his early days. At the time, HR was largely focused on industrial relations and collective bargaining, far from the multifaceted discipline it is today.
The Birth of HRMAB
While managing a capable HR team that included names like Gail Springer and Ingrid Parris, Mr. Bushell began questioning why HR professionals in Barbados didn’t have an organization of their own.
“Engineers had one. Lawyers had one. Doctors had one. Why not us?”
This sparked a conversation that led to the formation of what we now know as HRMAB. Alongside Dr. Hensley Sobers, Thomas Roach (the first President), and other notable HR professionals such as John Williams, Keith Foster, Roglin Hinds, Gail Springer, and Ingrid Parris, the Association was established in 1994 at the Central Bank of Barbados.
From the beginning, HRMAB was about more than just professional association, it was about elevating HR as a profession and giving it a seat at the national table. The inaugural HR Conference, which Mr. Bushell chaired, was expected to attract 50–60 participants. Instead, it drew over 700 attendees, including professionals from across the Caribbean. That moment marked a turning point for the visibility and legitimacy of HR in Barbados.
Facing Resistance and Transforming Perceptions
In the early days, HR was misunderstood and often undervalued. Mr. Bushell recalls being told by the late Sir Charles Williams that HR only “confused people.” Many managers believed they didn’t need HR, until it came time to fire someone. Then, the “dirty work” would be handed over to HR professionals.
But times have changed. HRMAB’s mission, as Ed describes it, is to nurture and develop the nation’s human resources, promote the importance of HR in organizations and the wider community, define professional standards, and create a space for networking, training, and advocacy.
A Legacy of Balance: Representing Both Sides
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mr. Bushell’s career is his ability to bridge perspectives. He served on both sides of the employment spectrum, as a shop steward and executive council member of the BWU, and later as Executive Director and then President of the Barbados Employers’ Confederation. Few, if any, in Barbados can claim that dual legacy.
More recently, he also served as Chairman of the Human Resources Development Council, sat on several national boards, and was a member of the Employment Rights Tribunal, making his influence felt across multiple layers of policy and practice.
Outside the Boardroom
Outside of his professional life, Ed was an avid golfer and a passionate artist, indulging in painting as a creative outlet. His multifaceted life is a testament to balance, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to service.
Closing Reflections
Speaking with Mr. Bushell was more than a history lesson; it was a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. His work helped to transform HR from an administrative afterthought into a strategic force within organizations. His vision helped birth HRMAB, and his legacy continues to inspire a new generation of HR leaders.
As we look ahead, it’s only fitting that we pause to honor those who came before us. Thank you, Mr. Bushell, for your service, your insight, and your enduring commitment to the human resource profession in Barbados.
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