Born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, Barbara Adams-Wilson grew up as the middle child of Joseph and Elsa Adams, both natives of Buxton. Her father managed a pharmacy on Durban Street in Lodge, while her mother dedicated herself to homemaking. Barbara’s early academic journey led her to the esteemed Bishops’ High School during the 1960s—a milestone that marked the beginning of her pursuit of excellence.
Her passion for mathematics and the outdoors initially inspired her to envision a future as a statistician working in sports. She later pursued studies at the University of Guyana, but it was a government initiative seeking aviation applicants that altered the course of her life. Encouraged by the headmistress of her former school, she applied and was accepted to Oxford Air Training School in England. Undeterred by the fact that she was the only woman in her class, Barbara earned her commercial helicopter pilot’s license in 1977—making history at just 19 as the United Kingdom’s first Black female helicopter pilot and Guyana’s first and only female helicopter pilot at the time.
Upon returning to Guyana, Barbara joined the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as an Ensign and trained with the Air Corps. Her rigorous military preparation included physical drills, weapon handling, and endurance exercises in both the interior and at Timehri. During her tenure, she piloted the Enstrom F28A as captain and co-piloted Bell 206 and 212 helicopters. Notably, she flew several missions with then-President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and participated in rescue operations across the country.
Navigating a male-dominated field, Barbara faced numerous challenges within the GDF’s Air Corps. With limited aircraft and stiff competition for airtime, she often found herself overlooked in favor of her male counterparts. These obstacles tested her resolve, but they also became powerful learning experiences. She grew to understand the importance of self-advocacy, continuous learning, and the value of mentorship—lessons that would shape her outlook and future endeavors.
After serving four years in the GDF, Barbara later migrated to the United States, where she devoted over three decades to public service in Georgia’s Department of Human Services. Though she did not continue a professional aviation career, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising her three children as a single mother. Her efforts bore fruit: Kevin earned a doctorate and now serves as Vice President of Lincoln University; Kurt holds a Master’s in Mathematics and works in data analytics at Informa; and Kalyn, an accomplished scholar and cheerleader, became a licensed mental health clinician at Emory University.
Barbara retired from state service in 2019 and now enjoys spending quality time with her four grandsons—Kendrick, Kaleb, Kairo, and Knox—as well as indulging in her favorite pastimes: traveling, fitness walks, reading, cheering at sports events, and watching reality television.
A humble yet determined pioneer, Barbara has received multiple accolades in recognition of her groundbreaking achievements. These include the Pioneer Aviator Award from Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (2013), the TrailBlazer Award from the Guyana Unity Movement (2018), and the Excellence Award from the Guyana Association of Georgia (2019). She has also been honored with proclamations from the New York Senate’s 21st District, New York City Council, and the Office of the President Borough of Brooklyn.
Barbara Adams-Wilson’s legacy stands as a testament to courage, perseverance, and the power of stepping beyond the expected. Her story continues to inspire generations of women, aviators, and change-makers across the globe.
