Looking Back: Barbados’ Independence Day

It was a day of overwhelming joy and pride for the people of Barbados, as the little island which they had known and loved for all their lives turned over a new leaf that would change the course of history for all time. During the period of 1961 to 1966 Premier of Barbados The Honorable Errol Walton Barrow, worked diligently along side his parliamentary party- the Democratic Labour Party which he founded in 1955- to pave a new path Barbados. It was a very delicate and difficult process which saw a lot of backlash from the opposing parliamentary party at that time. However, Errol Walton Barrow had a great vision for this little island, he saw a bright future filled with the continued growth and development of his people and he would not stop until he achieved this great feat. The people of Barbados were asked to make the final decision, by voting on whether the island should move forward with the proposed plan of a free and independent nation. Hundreds flocked to the polling stations to cast their vote and celebrated in overwhelming joy as the winning results were announced! With the final approval given by England it was official, Barbados was to become an independent nation.

The island was a buzz with excitement leading up to the highly anticipated date. Barbadians young and old decorated their homes and themselves in the blue, yellow and black - the colours of the new flag. They rehearsed the lyrics of the new national anthem and recited word for word the motivational script of the new Barbados motto. They were excited and it was for great reason! On November 29th 1966 the final celebrations began with parades and fireworks; armed forces from the British Royal army and a number of military regimes around the world were present to celebrate in all glory! The Garrison Savannah was alive with excitement, as proud voices raised in harmonious celebration to sing the island national anthem for the first time. Many recall standing in the heavy rain for hours beaming with pride, as the flag was raised at the stroke of midnight for the very first time and the new Barbados constitution was finally handed over. It was then, November 30th 1966 that the new and independent nation of Barbados was birthed!