local history

The beautiful island of Barbados is a 166-square-mile playground of lush green vegetation rimmed with beautiful beaches and pristine blue water. On its western coast lie the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea; to the east, the wonderful strong breeze and dancing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Barbados was named by the Portuguese, who visited Barbados before the British. They called the bearded figtrees which they saw growing on the shore "los Barbados", which is Portuguese for "the bearded one".

It is a country with an adventurous past and unlimited future. The British first came to the island in 1625, when an English ship captained by Henry Powell weighed anchor off the coast. Claiming the island in the name of the British Crown, Powell returned two years later with 80 settlers and a small number of African slaves captured en route from a trading vessel. In 1627, this hardy band of English adventurers founded the island's first settlement, Holetown, just one mile from Sandy Lane. The British continued to rule the island over the next 339 years.

Barbados gained independence from Britain in 1966 under the leadership of the late Rt. Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, one of the country's national heroes. Since independence, Barbados has steadily progressed under both the Democratic Labour Party and the Barbados Labour Party. The country is currently governed by the Barbados Labour Party led by Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Owen Seymour Arthur.

BARBADIAN HOSPITALITY

While sugar remains the most important agriculture product, a drive around the country reveals a diminishing number of canefields. Tourism has developed to include golf courses, new hotels and upmarket residential communities. Today, tourism is the backbone of the economy, followed closely by international business services and technology based industries.

As you wander around the island, you will find a country filled with productive, creative, intelligent, proud and happy people. Barbadians have always believed wholeheartedly that a strong education manifests itself in upward economic and social mobility Our educational system has provided the world with a phenomenal array of scholars, professionals, sportspersons and leaders. Despite its small size (26 miles by 14 miles), Barbados is widely admired and respected throughout the world for its quality of life - the best to be found anywhere in the developing world.

The solid foundation of our society is our love for, and loyalty to, Barbados. This strength will continue to serve and support us as we deal with the challenges of the future.

While you are on the island with us, please avail yourself of our naturally warm-hearted hospitality ... and remember that Barbadian people are here to make your stay more enjoyable.