This article deals with the diplomatic affairs, foreign policy and international relations of Barbados. At the political level, these matters are officially handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which answers to the Prime Minister. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, since November 2008 is Maxine McClean. Barbados is a moderate political and economic power in the Caribbean region. Between independence in 1966 and the 1990s, Barbados has used a pro business and investment policy to expand its influence in the world. Through the usage of its network of international bilateral relations, the country has been able to maintain an independent foreign policy. Barbados' recent policy has been to focus and strengthen ties with nations that country feels will enhance its diplomacy or foreign trade. Barbados has sought to engage in multilateral diplomacy through the United Nations, the Caribbean Community, the Association of Caribbean States, the group of ACP countries, the Organization of American States, and several other agencies which it is engaged