Outgoing Mayor Cllr Seenoi Barr reflects on historic year of inclusion, growth and resilience
30 May 2025
As her year as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council draws to a close, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr has reflected on her term in office, highlighting her accomplishments, challenges, and her unwavering commitment to unity and inclusivity.
Speaking ahead of the Council Annual General Meeting (AGM) that takes place on Monday 02 June, to elect a new Mayor - Mayor Barr, said it was an extraordinary privilege to serve as Mayor of Derry and Strabane, to be the North's first Black Mayor, as well as a Maasai woman and a Derry Girl.
She said her year as Mayor was dedicated to making "not just history—but change –from the outset, my pledge was to be a mayor for everyone—approachable, present, and focused on building a city and district where every voice matters."
Mayor Barr, who made history last year as the North’s first Black Mayor, expressed her deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the district’s First Citizen. She emphasised that her term has been defined by diversity, courage, and a determination to build a more inclusive community despite facing various challenges.
One of the most pivotal achievements during her tenure was the signing of the Financial Deal for the Derry~Strabane City Deal. "This transformational moment confirmed what we’ve always known: that this district is ready to lead, to innovate, and to thrive,” adding that she firmly believed this investment will bring about positive opportunities for everyone.
The Mayor said that community was at the heart of her Mayoral year, exemplified by the "One Big Weekend, One Big Cause" initiative, which saw a series of vibrant fundraising events for the Mayor's chosen charity, the BUD Club. From the "roar of the Supercar event to the rhythm and joy of Derry Rocks for BUD Club, to the colour and energy of my ‘Feel the Beat’ Afro-inspired music celebration," each event underscored a strong sense of purpose and community spirit,” she said.
A significant legacy of the Mayor's term was the Inclusive Youth Hub— ‘Our Guildhall, Our Place’. This initiative provided young voices with a platform and sense of belonging, reflecting a shared commitment to young people and meaningful change.
The Mayor also proudly recalled the joy of hosting the Inclusive Birthday Party at Foyle Arena, tailored for children and young people with additional needs, proving that "inclusion works when we work together” and the Community Christmas Party held at the Guildhall where those who made a significant impact on their community were acknowledged and recognised.
The Mayor spoke of the work she did to actively promote diversity and inclusion across civic life, reaching out to fellow Mayors across the North for "powerful and honest conversations about how we can better include all minority communities." This commitment extended to representing the city internationally, raising awareness around racial inequality, migration, women’s health, and housing.
The Mayor's leadership extended to the international stage, welcoming former Taoiseach Simon Harris T.D. and the Lord Mayor of the City of London, cementing Derry~Strabane’s central role in regional growth and global collaboration while a trade and investment mission to the U.S. successfully promoted Derry and Strabane as a hub of innovation and investment.
A deeply personal and profoundly meaningful highlight was the Mayor's address at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., leading to the award of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Howard University. "This honour was not just a personal milestone—it was a recognition of the values we hold dear: inclusion, justice, and meaningful social change.”
Mayor Barr said the visit of a delegation from her homeland of Kenya was another very powerful symbol of unity and support, whilst also further strengthening Derry’s international relations.
The Mayor bravely addressed the "unprecedented levels of online abuse—much of it, racially motivated, and much of it deeply personal." She said that despite these challenges she refused to be defined by hate, choosing instead to “stay focused, to stay present, and to stay true to my purpose: building a more inclusive, compassionate, and forward-looking district."
She credited the people of Derry and Strabane for lifting her up, demonstrating that "love is louder. And hope is stronger."
The Mayor extended profound gratitude to Deputy Mayor Alderman Darren Guy for his support during her Mayoral term, her dedicated Mayoral support staff, the Guildhall and wider Council staff, and fellow councillors.
She also acknowledged the performers and community contributors and sponsors for their continued support with a heartfelt appreciation for her husband Paul and son Brian for their unwavering love and support throughout the year.
As she prepares to pass the chain of office to the new incoming Mayor, the Mayor concluded saying she left office with her “head held high," confident that "together, we’ve shown what’s possible when leadership is rooted in community, courage, and compassion."