Society

Archaeological History

Archaeological evidence indicates that prior to 1625 the island had been inhabited by the Arawaks and Caribs but there was apparently no sign of them when the English arrived. However, later research has indicated that Caribs from neighbouring islands settled in small colonies in St. Phillip and St. Lucy.

Culture

As part of its activities, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) organises three annual national festivals — Crop Over, Congaline and the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA). It also assists in the staging of Holders Opera Season celebration, the Holetown Festival, B’dos Jazz Festival and the Oistins Fish Festival.

Demographics

Barbados is the most easterly in the Caribbean island chain, known as the island in the Caribbean on which the sun rises first.

Education

The foundation of education in Barbados was laid by "philanthropic efforts" of private individuals and by humanitarian interests of the churches. Government aid goes back to 1835 when the British Government made an annual grant to the West Indian colonies of the former slaves. The present system provides for education at three levels: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary.

Geography

Barbados as the most easterly island in the Caribbean chain of Islands, stretching from Florida on the North American mainland to the Guianas on the northern mainland of South America...

Health

The island's population has easy access to a comprehensive health care system which offers preventative and curative services.

Notable Dates

Notable dates in the history of Barbados.

Places of Interest

Bridgetown is the capital and principal commercial centre. Founded in 1628, it has a population of approximately 80,000 and is Barbados’ largest and liveliest city.

Sports

The national sport of Barbados is cricket, another aspect of our British heritage that is now "uniquely" ours. Two national organisations administer the local game on a competitive basis, the Barbados Cricket Association based at the historic Kensington Oval and the Barbados Cricket League, located at Blenheim.