About Barbados – Skyviews

Features

Barbados, located at 59°32′W, 13°10′N is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands and covers a total area of 166mi2/430km2. The highest point in Barbados is Mount Hillaby in the north at 336m. Barbados was given its name by the Portuguese who landed on the island in the 16th century and named it Los Barbados, meaning bearded ones, after the “bearded” trees they discovered there. This relatively flat island is known for its beautiful beaches, lovely landscape, its food and rum and rich culture. Fun things to do in Barbados: snorkelling & other watersports, visit the caves- Animal Flower Cave and Harrison’s Cave are popular, relax on the white sand beaches, dine in several restaurants across the island, learn the history- Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison Savannah is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

History and Culture

Barbados was inhabited by the Arawaks before the Spanish and later the Portuguese invaded the island in the early 1500s. However, the island was not claimed by either of these two countries. In 1625, the English arrived in Holetown in Barbados and they quickly claimed the island in the name of King James I of England. Two years later, in 1627, the English immigrants arrived and settled on the island.

The British brought indentured labor from Britain and along with enslaved Africans brought from West Africa began to produce primarily tobacco and cotton. Sugar was introduced in the 1650s which caused the development of large plantations around the island. Barbados emerged as a stronger player and dominated the sugar industry with the sugarcane crop becoming a source of wealth of profit for the island until the mid-18th century.

When slavery in the British Empire was abolished in 1833-34, this brought the winds of change to Barbados.

In early 1900 the sugar industry became profitable again to Barbados, however, The Great Depression also had a significant impact which led to a reduced quality of life on the island. After World War 2, tourism began to feature more prominently contributing to Barbados’ economy.

A new era

In 1951, universal adult suffrage was established, followed by a full ministerial system in 1954 and a cabinet government in 1958. On November 30, 1966, Barbados gained its independence from Great Britain and continues to be a member of the British Commonwealth. Then on November 30, 2021, Barbados became a Republic with its first President, Her Excellency, the Most Honourable Dame Sandra Prunella Mason.

Tourism has become the main contributor to the island’s economy following the decline of the sugar industry, with millions of tourists from around the world flocking to the island. In recent years, there has been more diversity in the tourism product including sports tourism, culinary tourism, cruise tourism, cultural & heritage tourism, and more. Barbados is also a shopper’s delight with lots of luxury brands and also local crafts available around the island.