Barbados National Heroes Day

These outstanding Barbadians are recognized as Barbados National Heroes for their roles in positively changing Barbados. In their honour April 28th is celebrated each year as National Heroes Day. Visit the Barbados National Heroes Gallery for an interactive introduction to these heroes.

Rt. Hon. Errol Barrow (1920-1987)

Rt. Hon. Errol Barrow is known as the Father of Barbados’ Independence. As Barbados’ first Prime Minister he led our country toward a social democracy with free education at all levels, abolished segregation in education; introduced a National Insurance and Social Security scheme; improved health services; accelerated industrial development and considerable expansion of the tourist industry. He is honoured with his presence on the $50 Barbados banknote.

Sir Grantley Adams (1898-1971)

Adams became the Prime Minister of the West Indies Federation from 1958 to 1962; Barbados was one of the ten provinces of the West Indies Federation, an organisation doomed by nationalistic attitudes and by the fact that its members, as British colonies, held limited legislative power. Sir Grantley Adams, a highly respected lawyer, was a master of debate on the floor of the House, where he fought for a better life for the under-privileged masses and for establishing social justice He is honoured with his presence on the $100 Barbados banknote.

Bussa (???? – 1816)

Born a free man in Africa, but captured and brought to Barbados as a slave, he led Barbados’ longest slave revolt in April 1816 against racist and oppressive white Barbadian planters. Bussa remains a popular and resonant figure in Barbados. In 1985, 169 years after his rebellion, the Emancipation Statue, created by Karl Broodhagen, was unveiled in Haggatt Hall, in the parish of St Michael.

Sarah Ann Gill (1795-1866)

Sarah Ann Gill, the only female heroine, was a social and religious leader in Barbados during the era of slavery. She stood up against the planters who succeeded in ousting the Methodist missionaries from Barbados, she opened her home as a church and kept the faith going, against physical abuse. She donated the land on which the first Methodist Church was built in Barbados.

Samuel Jackman Prescod (1806-1871)

Samuel Jackman Prescod was the first person of African descent to be elected to Barbados’s Parliament in 1843. He also helped found the Liberal Party, whose following included small landowners, businessmen, and coloured clerks. Renowned politician, humanitarian and journalist. He is honoured with his presence on the $20 Barbados banknote.

Sir Frank Walcott (1916-1999)

Sir Frank Walcott was a Barbadian trade unionist recognised as a forceful but reasonable negotiator, a progressive leader, politician and ambassador. He played a key role in organizing the Barbados labour movement and was a major figure in stimulating participation in the nation’s political process. He served as President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour for three terms and was an Executive of the Board of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions.

Charles Duncan O’Neal (1879-1936)

A medical doctor of the privileged class, he dedicated most of his working life to the poor. He was the first black activist in this century to agitate for free education and free dental care for children; improved housing; and abolition of the infamous Located Labourers’ System and the Masters and Servants Act. Charles Duncan O’Neal was a Barbados physician and political figure. He founded the radical Democratic League in 1924. He is honoured with his presence on the $10 Barbados banknote.

Sir Garfield Sobers (1936 – present)

Sir Garfield Sobers, also known as Gary or Gary Sobers, is an outstanding sportsman and a legend in cricket. Sir Garfield rose to become Captain of the West Indies team and is still regarded as the world’s greatest all-rounders. He continues to be a role model for millions of youngsters beyond the shores of Barbados. Sobers was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 for his services to cricket.

Clement Osbourne Payne (1904-1941)

Born in Trinidad to Barbadian Parents, Clement Payne was an advocate for the poor in his parent’s homeland. He was a pioneer in the Caribbean trade union movement and an outspoken critic of politics and the planter class. He wanted the conditions of the working population of the island to improve through educating them Sir Hugh Springer (1913-1994)

Sir Hugh Springer was the organiser and first General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union during the period 1940 to 1947 and Barbados’ third native Governor-General. He was also General Secretary of the Barbados Labour Party, Acting Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Barbados, he served as Director of the Commonwealth Education Liaison Unit, Commonwealth Assistant Secretary-General and Secretary-General of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Barbados Summer Special 2014

Looking for somewhere to staycation or a special somewhere to stay in Barbados this summer?

We are offering a BARBADOS SUMMER SPECIAL on select properties! You can book for seven nights and pay for six!

This is the 25th year for the Barbados International Game Fishing Tournament which is held at Port St. Charles. Over 200 anglers from Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, North & South America compete with regional anglers to land Blue Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna and Wahoo at this exciting annual competition.

The tournament runs from April 9th to 13th, 2014 and here are the day to day activities:

Wednesday, April 9th

12.00 pm to 6:00 pm — Boat registration 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm — Happy hour drinks 5:30 pm (6 to 10) — DJ Music 5.30 pm to 6.00 pm — Captains briefing, located in North Section of Yacht Club 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm — Opening comments

Thursday, April 10th

6.30 am — Leave dock 7.00 am — Bimini start, lines in 4.30 pm — Lines out, weigh in of the fish start from 5.00 pm 5:30 pm — Farr’s Children’s Home visit (to be confirmed) 6:00 pm — DJ Music 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm — Happy Hour 6.00 pm until 9:30 pm — Food on sale

Friday, April 11th

5.30 am — Leave dock 6.00 am – Lines in 4.30 pm — Lines out, weigh in of the fish start from 5:00 pm 6:00 pm — Rum & Coconut sampling sponsored by Boyss Ltd. 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm – Happy Hour 6:00 pm — Live entertainment (7:00 – 10:00) 6.00 pm until 9:30 pm — Food on sale

Saturday, April 12th (Lay day. No Fishing)

11.00 am onwards — Fun activities including DJ Music (1:00 to 8:00) 1.00 pm — Lunch. Roast suckling pig and Bajan Feast 6:00 pm — Swimsuit modeling sponsored by Lynch Insurance Brokers Ltd. 6.00 pm until 9:00 pm — Food on sale

Sunday, April 13st

5.30 am — Leave dock 6.00 am — Lines in 3.00 pm — Lines out, weigh in of the fish starts from 3.00 pm 5.00 pm — Scales close 7.00 pm — Presentation, Cocktail Party and Ceremony at Port St. Charles (DJ Music 7:00 to 10:00)

Please Note: Tickets for the presentation dinner are available at the Club from Wednesday, April 9th until Sunday, April 13st midday. Top Gear Festival in Barbados

This year is the first year that Top Gear Festival will make its Americas debut and hosted in Barbados!

The festival will be held at the newly renovated Bushy Park Circuit in the parish of St. Philip on May 17 -18, 2014.

Top Gear Festival in Barbados will feature an inspiring line up of cars, the Top Gear Stunt Team and guest drivers from around the world of motorsport and entertainment. Included in the line-up is the 2008 Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton and Top Gear’s The Stig. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May will be hosting the Barbados Festival.

Richard Sealy, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados commented:

The realisation of this dream has been a long time coming. Barbados is already the base for the celebrated Sol Rally Barbados, which has seen the cream of the crop of the rally world compete on our island’s roads and hosting Top Gear Festival, now places Barbados firmly at the heart of Caribbean motorsport. We have identified events and niches that are integral to the viability of our industry and Top Gear Festival ticks these boxes. Essential plans and actions are well on track for the project with Bushy Park Circuit promising to be the perfect venue. We look forward to welcoming a wide audience to the island with fans expected to travel from the UK, North America, Europe, Caribbean and Brazil. Barbados is expected to attract tens of thousands of car fans keen to see the world famous presenters, guest drivers and celebrities in action and take part in this true celebration of all things motoring with Top Gear Festival.

Tickets for Top Gear Festival are as follows:

General Admission: BDS$75.00 Club House: BDS$200.00 VIP Marquee: BDS$500.00 For more information on what is included in the prices click here.

Products of Barbados Sugar Cane

Not only is Barbados sugar cane used to make sugar but also molasses and rum!

MOLASSES

To make molasses, Barbados sugar cane is harvested and stripped of leaves. Its juice is extracted usually by cutting, crushing or mashing. The juice is boiled to concentrate it, promoting sugar crystallization. The result of this first boiling is called first syrup, and it has the highest sugar content. First syrup is usually referred to as “cane syrup”, as opposed to molasses. Second, molasses is created from a second boiling and sugar extraction, and has a slight bitter taste. The third boiling of the sugar syrup yields blackstrap molasses, known for its robust flavour. The majority of sucrose from the original juice has been crystallised and removed. The food energy of blackstrap molasses is mostly from the small remaining sugar content. However, unlike refined sugars, it contains trace amounts of vitamins and significant amounts of several minerals. Blackstrap molasses is a source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron; one tablespoon provides up to 20% of the daily value of those nutrients. Blackstrap has long been sold as a health supplement. It is used making ethyl alcohol for industry and as an ingredient in cattle feed. Cane molasses is a common ingredient in baking and cooking. RUM

A product that is then made from molasses and is very popular in Barbados and across the world is RUM! This is done by a process of fermentation and distillation. The distillate, a clear liquid, is then usually aged in oak barrels. Rum has been produced in Barbados for over 300 years and Barbados rum is recognised as one of the best in the world today.

There are four distilleries on the island of which you can visit:

Mount Gay Rum Tour & Giftshop

With the oldest rum to be produced in the world, Mount Gay Rum is the only rum to be exported to other countries around the world. You can experience over 300 years of perfection and discover the heritage behind crafting this distinguished rum. Fascinating tours told through age-old artefacts, photo galleries, datelines, film presentations, exotic taste-testing and cocktail secrets!

Foursquare Rum Factory and Heritage Park

Foursquare Rum Distillery occupies the site of a former sugar factory that dates back to 1636. Besides the distillery, there are several attractions on the property including a sugar machinery museum, folk museum, bottling plants, and a glass fusing studio. The restored interior combines the historic structure with modern technology.

Cockspur Beach Club (formerly Malibu)

Enjoy a day at the beach and some of Barbados’ finest rum! Let the bar staff amaze you with their cocktail wizardry and perhaps enjoy a light lunch from the beachside grill. If you are interested in a little activity, join the beach attendants in some beach games, the fun never stops!

Tour of the West Indies Rum Distillery can be booked on the spot for USD$ 2.50 per person GENERAL ADMISSION is USD$ 10 for adults and USD$5 for children 2 to 12 years old (this includes a complimentary Cockspur Rum Punch) LUNCH PACKAGE is USD$ 40.00 for adults and children 2 to 12 years are 1/2 price (this includes transportation to and from your hotel, BBQ lunch, 1 complimentary Cockspur Rum Punch, and 3 additional drinks)

St. Nicholas Abbey

Located in Northern part of the island is the historic St. Nicolas Abbey. The tour includes the main house, where you can admire the architecture and historical furnishings, the steam mill and rum distillery which are now in full operation and are used to produce St. Nicholas Abbey Rum. You may purchase rum and other sugar products at the gift shop. St. Nicholas Abbey is open Sunday to Friday 10:00 am to 3.30 pm Admission is BB$35 Adults / BB$20 Children

Across the island you’ll see lots of colourful rum shops, stop in and have a drink or fire a shot, as we say, with the locals.

Harvesting Sugar Cane and how Barbados sugar is made

Twelve to sixteen months after the sugar cane has been planted, it is ready to be harvested.

Sugar cane was mainly harvested by hand until mechanisation was introduced to the island. Manually a worker could cut 5 tons of cane daily, a machine can cut up to 300 tons daily. The machine cuts the cane at the base of the stalk and strips the leaves, chops the cane into consistent lengths and deposits it into trailers following alongside.

After harvesting, the canes are taken to sugar factories to produce the sugar. During the process, the natural sugar stored in the cane stalk is separated from the rest of the plant material, leaving behind a fibrous residue called bagasse. This separation begins by grinding the cane and boiling it in water to begin the sugar extraction process. Throughout the cooking process, various substances are added in order to eliminate any impurities that may exist in the sugar cane juice. The sugar-containing juice is boiled until it thickens into a syrup from which the sugar crystallizes, the crystals are spun in a centrifuge where a portion of the molasses is removed to produce raw sugar, and the raw sugar is traditionally dried before shipment to a refinery. Lime juice and coconut milk are then added as refining agents in the processing of muscovado sugar, unrefined sugar, as they do not leave any flavours behind.

POINT OF INTEREST: Have you ever noticed the feathery shoots at the top of the sugar cane plant? When a sugar cane plant has reached a relatively mature stage of development, its growing point may, under certain photoperiod and soil moisture conditions, change from the vegetative to reproductive stage and starts the production of an inflorescence.

The inflorescence, or tassel, of sugarcane is an open-branched panicle. It is also known as arrow. Therefore flowering is also known as “arrowing”. Each tassel consists of several thousand tiny flowers, each capable of producing one seed. The seeds are extremely small and weigh approximately 250 per gram or 113,500 per pound. Cricket! West Indies v England 2014

From 28 February to 13 March 2014, enjoy cricket in Antigua and Barbados with West Indies v England 2014.

Three one-day internationals and 3 Twenty20 match series to be played in Antigua and Barbados.

England has not visited the Caribbean to play the West Indies since 2009, as such there is a real sense of excitement and anticipation for this upcoming ODI and T20 series.

England’s 2014 Tour of the West Indies looks like it will be a classic match between two of the greatest cricketing teams. Fresh from its World Cup T20 success, Top-ranked England will face the West Indian. It’s sure to great entertainment in the islands. Also a wonderful time to escape the cold/rainy weather to enjoy sun-kissed Caribbean beaches and a festival of calypso cricket.

England’s Windies tour of 2014 will take in two exciting cricket venues in the Caribbean. Each boasts a colorful cricketing history and has played host to many of the world’s greatest players. Experience the stately Kensington Oval in Barbados and the brand-new Sir Vivian Richards stadium in Antigua. These West Indian cricket grounds will “bowl” you over.

Cricket! West Indies v England 2014 Schedule Friday February 28 | 09:30 local | 13:30 GMT 1st ODI – West Indies vs England at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua

Sunday March 2 | 09:30 local | 13:30 GMT 2nd ODI – West Indies vs England at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua

Wednesday March 5 | 09:30 local | 13:30 GMT 3rd ODI – West Indies vs England at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua

Sunday March 9 | 14:30 local | 18:30 GMT 1st T20 – West Indies vs England at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown

Tuesday March 11 | 14:30 local | 18:30 GMT 2nd T20 – West Indies vs England at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown

Thursday March 13 | 14:30 local | 18:30 GMT 3rd T20 – West Indies vs England at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown

Barbados Historical sites

Barbados is a little island that is rich with history and historical sites. Many of the historic buildings have been restored, some privately and some with the help of the BARBADOS NATIONAL TRUST (BNT). The BNT is a charitable, non- profit body founded in 1961 to preserve the unique heritage of the island, be it Historic Buildings and sites, or places of natural beauty or environmental importance. Barbados even has an UNESCO World Heritage site which is the capital city of Barbados, Bridgetown and the historic Garrison! While you are on the island why not visit a plantation house for a trip back in time, go and see the towering lighthouses that once led ships to safety, or explore the historic towns that are an important part of our past and present.

Bridgetown and the Parliament Museum

Bridgetown derived its name from the bridge that was constructed in the area by the original Amerindian settlers. The island was settled by the English in the 17th century and early deeds refer to the area as The Indian Bridge and The Indian Bridgetown.

Bridgetown was to become a key hub for trade and commerce with its harbor (or Careenage) often filled with trading vessels. This city was also often the first port of call for ships making the trans-Atlantic crossing from Africa. Being established in 1939 the Parliament of Barbados is the third oldest in the Commonwealth. The exhibition is located in the West Wing of the Parliament Building in the capital Bridgetown. The history of great achievements are told using interactive audio and video and pictures through out.

Barbados Garrison & the Barbados Museum and Historical Society

The colonial powers- England, France, Spain and Holland – were often at war over the prosperous islands of the Caribbean. Protecting the colonies was therefore of great importance and is reflected in the fortifications created along the western coast of Barbados.

The Barbados Garrison was the largest in the British Colonies in the 18th and 19th centuries. It began with the construction of St. Ann’s Fort in 1705 and grew to include soldiers’ barracks, a parade ground and commissariat.

Within the Museum’s 19th century buildings is where you can learn about the people of Barbados. From the earliest inhabitants to folk life, there is something for everyone here. You can see artefacts on natural history, African artefacts, Barbadian Social history, decorative arts, and military history.

At the Museum’s Shilstone Memorial Library you can discover your family history and connections by looking at archival documents, genealogical records and much more.

George Washington House

The only place outside of the USA where the 1st president of the United Stated ever resided was here in Barbados. The house and outlying buildings have been restored to how it was in the 18th Century by the Barbados Nation Trust, creating a heritage site on the historic Garrison that celebrates the visit and the role that Barbados played in the settlement of America. This Barbados attraction is located by the Garrison Savannah on the South coast of the island. Signal Stations

A series of signal stations were built in Barbados in 1818. They were constructed in strategic locations around the island on high ground to keep watch over the coast lines for approaching vessels and over the plantations to easily sight and signal in case of danger. They were also used to warn for slave rebellions.

Located in the parish of St. George with magnificent and captivating views of the entire island is Gun Hill Signal Station. This station was restored and landscaped by the Barbados National Trust and now houses a collection of military memorabilia.

There is also a statue of a lion that was carved out of a single piece of rock in 1868 by an officer at the signal station. Another signal station is Grenade Hall situated in the parish of St. Andrew. This signal station combines history with nature, and admission fee also allows you access to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.

Grenade Hall offers amazing views of the island looking especially looking onto the East coast of the island. St. Nicholas Abbey

St. Nicholas Abbey is located in the parish of St. Peter and is one of only three genuine Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere and was built in 1658. The plantation remains a wealth of history and tradition in the production of sugar, syrup and unique 17th Century rum.

The tour includes the main house, which you can admire the architecture and historical furnishings, the steam mill and rum distillery which are now in full operation and are used to produce St. Nicholas Abbey Rum. You may purchase rum and other sugar products at the gift shop. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with tropical flora while the natural gullies are home to Mahogany and Silk Cotton trees.

The Barbados sugar cane industry

Sugar cane was introduced to Barbados by the Dutch in 1640. At the time it provided Britain with sugar, rum and molasses. The sugar cane industry then became the backbone of the Barbados economy from the seventeenth century to the mid twentieth century, making it one of the world’s biggest sugar industries after starting the cultivation. As the industry developed into its main commercial enterprise, Barbados was divided into large plantation estates that replaced the small holdings of the early English settlers. A majority of the plantations had their own mill which was used for grinding the cane, extracting the juice and processing it. The raw sugar was then shipped to Britain where it was refined into a variety of products.

By the nineteenth century there were just over ten sugar factories where the cane was harvested manually and then loaded for transport to the factories for production. This is now done mechanically.

The sugar industry in Barbados started to decline when the cost of sugar production on the island escalated and the price of sugar on the international market plummeted. This caused closure for most of the factories. Today only two factories are still in operation, Andrews Sugar Factory in St. Joseph and Portvale Sugar Factory in St. James.

Over the years there have been other problems causing a decline in the sugar cane industry such as with the start of mechanisation, competition from larger scale producers, and reduction in preferential trading agreements with Britain and Europe. New Year’s Eve events in Barbados 2014

New Year’s Eve, known in Barbados as ‘Old Year’s Night’, is another popular occasion and reason to celebrate. There are numerous ways that Barbadians ring in the New Year such as attending midnight mass, dining out at a restaurant, partying at one of the many fetes being held, staying at home and having a drink with friends and love ones or packing a cooler and heading to a beach to watch the fireworks.

Here are a number of New Year’s Eve events in Barbados for you to choose from if you are trying to find something to do in Barbados to bring in the new year!

Harbour Lights

Location: Port Vale Sugar Factory, Port Vale, St. James Time: Starts at 9:00 PM Price: Starts at BBD $230.00 Features: Free premium drinks until 5:00 AM | Bubbly bar (Champagne and Red Bull shots) | Three party zones

Cruising Club’s Bling in The New Year

Midnight Train at The Crane

Location: The Crane Hotel, St. Philip Time: Price: BBD $250.00 (Dinner and Dance party) | BBD $150.00 (Dance party only) Features: Party throughout the cobblestone streets of the Crane Village to the sounds of Brass Soul, the 12 piece classic Soul and R&B band of Barbados. Please note: There is limited seating for dinner | Reservations are required before December 24th Contact: [email protected] or call 246-423-6220

Birdies Restaurant

Location: Rockley Golf & Country Club, Christ Church Time: Starts at 7:00 PM Price: BBD $150.00 (Three course dinner & Party) | BBD $50.00 (After party only) Features: The Redmen with Ram Edghill and Andy Ingrahm

Hilton Barbados

Location: The Lighthouse Terrace Restaurant, Needhams Point, St. Michael Menu: Old Year’s Night dinner buffet Time: Starts at 6:00 PM Price: BBD $250.00 per person Features: Live music and fanciful spread

Location: The Grille on Old Year’s Night, Needhams Point, St. Michael Time: Starts at 6:30 PM Price: BBD $300.00 Features: Chef’s special five course menu for the evening includes a complimentary glass of champagne and live musical accompaniment

Location: Auld Lang Syne at Charles Fort, Needhams Point, St. Michael Time: Starts at 9:00 PM until 2:00 AM Price: BBD $50.00 per person Features: Drinks are on sale | Count down to the New Year and a fantastic explosion of fireworks will be on display. Some of the island’s best DJs as they take you on a musical journey through time.