National Heroes Day

The history of Barbados which dates back some thousand years, weaves an intriguing tale of determination, resilience and splendor, all of which are still present in the Barbados we know and love today. It’s the people that make the nation and it is with great honour that today, on Barbados’ National Heroes Day, Loop Barbados pays tribute to those great men and women that have paved the way for this little island.

The people that made it possible

Barbados has ten official National Heroes, courageous men and women who have paved the way for many Barbadians. From the Honorable Right Excellent Errol Barrow, who led the island to independence, to Sir Garfield Sobers legendary cricketing champion; Here is a list of Barbados’ extraordinary heroes and all they have done.

The Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow (1920 - 1987)

As Barbados’ first Prime Minister, Barrow worked tirelessly to bring his vision of an independent Barbados to light. Also known as the ‘Father of Independence’, he is accredited with introducing many of the amenities which Barbadians enjoy today, such as free education and free health services.

The Right Excellent Bussa (Unknown - 1816)

Bussa led Barbados' largest slave revolt against the oppressive white planters in April 1816. He played a very significant role in initiating the end of the slave trade in Barbados. Unfortunately, Bussa was killed during the slave uprising, however his memory lives on in the form of a tribute statue of his likeness, which can be seen along the ABC highway.

The Right Excellent Sarah Ann Gill (1795 - 1866)

As Barbados' only heroine, Gill stood up against the planters who succeeded in ousting the Methodist missionaries from Barbados. Even though facing many adversities, she opened her home as a church and kept the faith going.

The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers (1936 - )

Sir Garfield is Barbados’ only living hero. He is an outstanding sportsman and remains a legend in international cricket to date. He rose from humble beginnings to become captain of the West Indies team and is still regarded as the world’s greatest all-rounder.

The Right Excellent Sir Frank Walcott (1916 - 1999)

Sir Frank was an international figure in trade unionism, recognized as a forceful, reasonable negotiator and a progressive leader.

The Right Excellent Dr. Charles Duncan O'Neal (1879 - 1936)

O'Neal dedicated most of his working life to the poor. He was the first black activist in this century to fight for free education and free dental care for children.

The Right Excellent Samuel Jackman Prescod (1806 - 1871)

On June 6th 1843 Prescod was elected as the first non-White to sit in Barbados’ House of Assembly. He was a renowned politician, humanitarian and journalist.

The Right Excellent Clement Osbourne Payne (1904 - 1941)

Payne was a pioneer in the Caribbean trade union movement and an outspoken critic of politics of the planter class. His blunt speeches got him deported from Barbados, which led to days of rioting. A subsequent Inquiry ended in a call for the reforms which Payne had proposed, including the introduction of trade union legislation.

 The Right Excellent Sir Grantley Adams (1898 - 1971)

As the first Premier of Barbados, Adams was a highly respected lawyer and Politian, he fought for the rights of the under-privileged masses and established social justice across all ethnic and economic classes.

The Right Excellent Sir Hugh Springer (1913-1994)

Sir Hugh was Barbados' third native Governor-General. He worked in a variety of professional and political capacities, including being a Member of the House of Assembly, General Secretary of the Barbados Labour Party and Acting Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Barbados.