From about 1850, many Barbadians left the island in search of better wages and lifestyle. In particular, some 30,000 (about one third of the population) went to work on the construction of the Panama Canal between 1904-1914. When President Roosevelt visited Barbados in 1913 he publicly thanked Barbadians for their immense contribution in making the hugely important Panama Canal a reality.
The world depression of the 1930's took its toll on Barbados and widespread unemployment hit the people hard, further fuelling the flames of discontent that finally erupted in the form of the 1937 riots. From out of this bad came a lot of good, notably the formation of the Barbados Progressive League, a political party comprising a new group of intellectuals, highly educated black men under the leadership of Grantley Adams, all eager for social reform. As a result of their efforts, 1939 saw the Trade Union Act passed; in 1940 the League won 5 seats in the House of Assembly, and in 1941 the Barbados Workers Union was formed. Led by Grantley Adams and Hugh Springer, both later to be knighted, the union set about winning "a living wage for all workers."
In time the league adopted the new title of the Barbados Labour Party (B.L.P.) and finally gained their just reward when they won the 1947 General Election. Three years later universal suffrage was at last a reality and the fight had been won after a battle of some 117 years. In 1954 Sir Grantley Adams became the first Prime Minister of Barbados under a new system of ministerial government.
Rival factions within the B.L.P. led to a split in the ranks and an off-shoot group formed the Democratic Labour Party (D.L.P.) This two-party system existed uninterrupted until 1989 when history repeated itself and a third party, the National Democratic Party was created.
Barbados Gains Independence 1961 - 1966
Barbados remained a British colony until granted internal autonomy in 1961. Then, in 1966 Barbados gained independence from Britain under the leadership of the late Errol Walton Barrow of the D.L.P. Despite becoming an independent nation, Barbados still maintains close ties to the British monarch, represented by the Governor General, and remains a member of the Commonwealth.
In its 36 years as an independent nation, Barbados has steadily progressed under the leadership of both D.L.P. and B.L.P. governments. The Barbados Labour Party was voted into power on September 6th, 1994, under the leadership of our current Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Owen Arthur.
Barbados Today
While sugar remains the number one agricultural product, a drive around the island will readily reveal a diminishing number of cane fields; a larger acreage devoted to diversification into other crops; and significantly, an increase in tourism related development, including golf courses, new hotels and upmarket residential communities. Tourism is now the backbone of the economy, followed closely by international business services and technology based industries.
Forty years after gaining independence, Barbados remains justly able to boast about its political stability and quality of life. Consistently held in high regard by the United Nations, Barbados is today deemed to have a quality of life which is the best to be found anywhere in the developing world. It is a land where healthy existence is readily available to all - body warming sunshine, fresh breezes and sufficient rainfall to both top up the underground supply of pure drinking water and enrich the soils; a year round local supply of fresh fruit and vegetables, poultry, meats and fish; an outdoors, exercise-oriented lifestyle and a positive attitude towards play. It is no wonder Barbados has such a high proportion of centenarians!
Out of this 'melting pot' have evolved people who are, by both nature and necessity, productive, talented, creative, self-disciplined, intelligent, confident, proud and happy. This island, no larger than a small town in most countries, has supplied the world with a phenomenal array of scholars, artists, musicians, sportsmen and professionals in every walk of life. Today we can look back gratefully upon the efforts of our forefathers and draw confidence from their accomplishments - regardless of ethnic background each individual is now in a position to state "I am a proud Barbadian". |
