Congratulations Admiral Anderson Ashanti Trotman!

The National Cultural Foundation congratulates Anderson Ashanti Trotman on his elevation to Admiral of the Barbados Landship Association, effective April 13, 2025.

Born on April 9, 1956, Trotman’s creative journey began early at Parkinson Memorial School, where he developed a love for drama and creative writing. It was there that he chose the name “Ashanti” during an African heritage exercise, a choice that would prove prophetic as he later excelled in the traditional African art of woodcarving.

Renowned as a master woodcarver, Ashanti Trotman built a national reputation for his intricate works in Barbados Mahogany, earning numerous accolades, including consecutive Awards for Excellence and Best in Show at the Central Bank Crop Over Fine Art & Craft Exhibitions (2013 and 2014). His outstanding contributions to arts and culture were recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2010 Barbados Music Awards.

Trotman’s deep commitment to community development was evident from as early as 1983, leading to his role as a Community Development Officer and later as a Cultural Officer at the National Cultural Foundation. Over his two decades at the NCF, he created numerous arts development programmes that impacted communities across Barbados and honed his skills in mass event planning for national festivals.

A passionate advocate for justice and community, Trotman has also been a longstanding stalwart of the Barbados Landship Association, serving in key capacities such as Public Relations Officer and Coordinator. His friendship with the late Admiral Vernon Watson and commitment to the Landship’s mission deepened during his years at the NCF, where both men shared a vision for strengthening this vital cultural movement.

Beyond Barbados, Trotman’s commitment to empowering others continued during a family sojourn in South Africa (2008–2010), where he established Tswelopele, a workshop aimed at training homeless and unemployed youth in craft production, agriculture, and construction.

Throughout his life, Trotman has embodied the spirit of “being our brother’s keeper,” advocating for fairness, dignity, and opportunity. His leadership, humanitarian service, and tireless work have been crucial to preserving the Landship movement — Barbados’ oldest Afro-Barbadian cultural organisation — and ensuring its traditions endure for future generations.

In recognition of his unwavering service, invaluable leadership, and lifetime of cultural stewardship, the Barbados Landship Association proudly promoted Anderson Ashanti Trotman to Admiral.

We salute Admiral Trotman for his decades of dedication and wish him continued success as he contributes his skills to the leadership of the next chapter of this important cultural legacy.

Congratulations, Admiral Anderson Ashanti Trotman!