National Hero of Barbados - Errol Walton Barrow, P.C., Q.C
The Father of Independence & Social Transformation
1920 - 1987
Born in the parish of St. Lucy on January 21, 1920, Errol Walton Barrow lived a remarkable life. He served in the Royal Air Force in World War II, became a barrister-at-law and joined the Barbados Labor Party in 1951. In 1955 he formed the Democratic Labor Party with Cameron Tudor and notable others, bringing Barbados into a state of Independence in 1966!

His initial period of Administration spanned fifteen years, first as Premier and then as Prime Minister with his reign ending in 1976 when Barbados Labor Party under the leadership of J.M.G.M. “Tom“ Adams won the election.  Errol Barrow held the position of leader of the opposition until 1986.

In 1986, Barrow won the General Elections by the largest margin of seats (24-3) ever recorded in the history of the island.

Errol Barrow held this position for one year and was laid to rest on June 1, 1987.  He is fondly remembered for the following:

First Prime Minister 1966 - 1976 

Father of Independence 

Supporter of the University of the West Indies and Regional Unity 

Designer of a modern system of public budgeting 

Architect of the University of the West Indies Campus at Cave Hill 

Creator of the Barbados Community College 

Co-founder of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) 

Inspired the lowering of the age of majority from twenty one to eighteen 

Co-Founder of CARICOM 

To celebrate the accomplishments and give recognition to this phenomenal Barbadian, Errol Walton Barrow’s birthday has been bestowed the honor of a national holiday.  Sir Barrow’s likeness can also be found on the $50.00 Barbadian currency bill.