Today Barbados celebrates its 45th year of independence, which it gained officially on the 30th November 1966! The act made Barbados the fourth English-speaking country in the Caribbean to gain independence from the United Kingdom. The island was a British colony for 300 years and was led to independence by the then Premier Errol Walton Barrow, who became Prime Minister after independence was granted on a date which is also St Andrew’s Day.
The political arousal for independence began in the 1920s when Charles O’ Neal formed the Democratic League. In 1938 after the civil disturbances in 1937, the Barbados Progressive League (later becoming the Barbados Labour Party) was formed and Barbados attained full internal self-government in 1961.
Barbados now enjoys one of the most stable political and economic environments in the English speaking Countries! Official celebrations of Barbados’ independence include sports competitions, fairs, community events and religious services. Some of the highlights of the Independence celebrations is the decorative lighting of Parliament Buildings, Independence Square, the Independence Arch and businesses throughout the nations stunning capital: Bridgetown, using blue and gold coloured bulbs (the national colours). Roundabouts on the highways are also lighted, creating a spectacular view at night.
Another great show of the Bajan national spirit is National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA). This festival encourages Bajan’s to showcase their many artistic talents. The festival aims to include Barbadian’s of all ages with arts & crafts, singing, music, drama, dance and more.
Cropover time!
All staff and writers at CaribDirect would like to wish Bajans the world over a happy 45th independence and hope you will enjoy celebrating the occasion with your friends and family! How are you celebrating? Be sure to let us know and celebrate Barbados 365 days of the year on our I Love Barbados Because Facebook page!
Also check out this video celebrating Barbados’ great cuisine!
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