Barbados: what you should know about the Caribbean island known as "little england"

Barbados has been an independent country since November 30, 1966. Yet the “Jewel of the Caribbean” is still known today as “Little England,” partly because no other country ruled the island, partly because much of its inside is lush. and green like England, and partly because of long-standing British traditions. In addition, most of the tourists who come to the island are from the United Kingdom.

Barbados under British rule ~ just the facts

– The British landed along the west coast of Barbados in the 17th century, although it was the Portuguese who called the island Barbados, “the bearded ones”, after the appearance of the island’s fig trees.

– British colonists grew sugar cane and the largest plantations became very wealthy businesses.

– The plantations would not have been profitable and productive without the slaves imported from Africa to work them.

– The British Crown saw local political power gradually shift from the first British settlers to the descendants of slaves, beginning in the 1930s.

– Grantley Adams was the first to push for independence from British rule; he founded the Barbados Labor Party in 1938 and in 1961 Barbados achieved autonomous self-government status. The Barbados airport is named after this early and influential politician.

– After years of peaceful and democratic progress, Barbados became an independent state within the British Commonwealth on November 30, 1966. Under its constitution, Barbados is a parliamentary democracy modeled on the British system.

Barbados Independence Celebration

Every year on November 30, Barbados’s independence is celebrated in a similar way to the United States on July 4th. Barbados’ birthday begins with a parade at Garrison Savannah, the former British military installation (and now one of the Caribbean’s premier racetracks and a beautiful grassy area steeped in history). (Actually, the British directed their military operation for the entire Eastern Caribbean from Barbados.)

Having traveled extensively in the Caribbean, I notice that other countries look at Barbados as the “boring” island. It’s true: both Jamaica and Trinidad, for example, are bigger, bolder, more colorful and showier former children of the Crown. It doesn’t matter; its low crime rate, peaceful politics, and high standard of living, Barbados happily accepts its role as everyone’s bore.

This year 2009 we celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Barbados. Congratulations!