Ryan Walters grew up in Ferniehurst, Black Rock in the parish of St. Michael after moving there with his mother, older sister and stepfather in the year 1990.
Ryan is and has always been a down-to-earth and friendly person who interacts with people from all walks in life. As a young boy, attending Queen’s College, Ryan was always keen in sports. He represented the school every year in track and field and in football, both are achievements he is very proud of.
Growing up in the community he played basketball for the Deacons Basketball Club and he always enjoyed an evening of football on the pasture, playing a game of road tennis or a game of dominoes or cards by the various shops in the neighborhood. Heading to the beach on Sunday evenings with his friends was also a weekly routine for him.
Ryan has a passion for business and this started from a very young age when he attended The Barbados Community College and earned an Associate Degree in Business Studies. His personal circumstances led him to choose pursuit of job opportunities over going to the University of the West Indies directly after College. Very soon after leaving college, he landed his first job in the tourism industry. As a Sports Coordinator at a hotel on the south coast Ryan was charged with the responsibility of keeping young guests active during the day. Playing golf, basketball, lawn tennis and board games with guests is how he spent his first days earning an income. Soon after, Ryan was offered the opportunity to work at a commercial bank. This job was one of a Mailroom Clerk and though it entailed what some would classify as menial tasks, Ryan saw the opportunity to work hard and increase his work experience.
A couple years later, that hard work and conscientiousness paid off when Ryan became an Accounts Assistant at a leading credit card processing company. A job where he forged many friendships and a foundation of experience that would help solidify him in his current roles today.
His extensive professional career was bolstered by his employment in the International Business Sector where he worked for 10 years in various roles. Starting as an Assistant Accountant in 2002, he moved to Accountant then to Senior Accountant in 2006. In 2008, he was promoted to Manager of Finance and Compliance. He also held the post of Senior Manager – Finance, Planning & Analysis from 2010 to 2012. Over the years in this sector, Ryan worked extensively in accounting, audit, forecasting, mergers and business acquisition.
Ryan also gained qualifications in Training and Marketing and attained a Master in Business Administration (MBA), with a specialty in Finance. Ryan currently holds the position of General Manager of Restaurant Associates (Barbados) Ltd, local franchisee for Burger King. A position he held since 2014. Over the years Ryan has led a team that has developed the Burger King Brand in Barbados.
Since joining the Democratic Labour Party, Ryan has been a national voice on behalf of the citizens of the country, speaking on matters relating to small business, entrepreneurship, health and other national issues.
In 2022, Ryan was tasked with delivering the DLP’s reply to the Budgetary Proposals and Financial Statement which received favourably reviews in the media.
Ryan served as Vice President of the Democratic Labour Party from 2020 to 2023 and has been on the DLP’s Executive from 2019 to 2023.
On February 13, 2024, Ryan was sworn in as an Opposition Senator at State House by Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason. He is currently carrying out his duties as Senator in the Upper House where he makes invaluable contributions on matters of national import and functions as part of the country’s legislature.
Amidst all these accomplishments thus far, of greatest importance to him is fatherhood. He is dad to four children; two handsome young men and two beautiful daughters. His love for his children is undeniable and he is at the forefront of their lives. He has his hands full coaching and mentoring his twosons and nurturing two girls who still attend primary school.
Beyond his professional and personal commitments Senator Walters stills find time to be in the community. His passion and love for people has led to his involvement into elective politics. He is committed to serving and representing the people of St Michael North West which includes individuals who nurtured him and those with whom he grew up.
Drive|Passion|Commitment