Barbados gained independence from Britain in 1966 after a history of British colonial rule dating back to 1625. Under colonialism, Barbados developed a plantation economy based on sugar production and African slavery. After emancipation in 1826, Black Barbadians gained increasing political power and adopted British cultural and governmental institutions while maintaining aspects of African culture. In the post-colonial era, Barbados has transitioned its economy from sugar to industry and tourism while enjoying political stability under a parliamentary system as it completes its independence from Britain.

1. Barbados
Post-Colonialism
Daniel Bamber
Jayden Bonner
Caleb Kidle-Parrish
S

2. Thesis
S Barbados is a country that’s fairly new to the concept of
independence. Unlike most subjects of the Black
Diaspora, the Barbadians have benefitted greatly from
British Colonialism.
S Blacks in Barbados successfully adopted an English
government through British colonialism while maintaining
strong African economic principles and culture.

3. Early Colonialism Gov.
S First English ship landed on May 14th, 1625 on uninhabited
islands
S In 1629 the island was divided into six parishes, Christ Church,
St. Michael, St. James, St. Thomas, St. Peter, and St. Lucy
(Best-Winfield 2).
S House of Assembly in 1639
S 1645, the island underwent further division – this time into
eleven parishes. The Assembly comprised 22 elected members
– two from each parish (Best-Winfield 2).

5. Early Colonialism
S On January 11, 1652, Articles of Agreement were signed between
England and Barbados ensuring the “rights of the people”. (Best-
Winfield 3).
S Slavery Abolished in 1826 after slave revolt by Washington
Franklin
S New citizens become extremely literate and take various offices
S After numerous labor party divisions, Barbados becomes
independent in 1961
S Errol Barrow becomes first Prime Minister

6. Barrow

7. Post-Colonialism Gov.
S Barbados is a young independent country
S It is currently in the process of becoming fully
independent of the Crown.
S “Unlike places such as Jamaica and Trinidad…Barbados
was one of the few colonies that fell into European hands
without bloodshed” (Cox-Alomar 673)

8. Post-Colonialism Gov.
S “The members of the Barbados’ political elite, unlike their
colleagues in most neighboring islands, saw themselves
as heirs of Captain John Powell and that first wave of
British Settlers” (Cox-Alomar 673)
S Barbados enjoys stability and is fearful of losing it.

10. Colonial Economy
S English colonized the small island in 1625
S Found uninhabited
S 1650 island transformed into a monocropping sugar
producer
S Used the plantation system and slavery

11. Colonial Economy cont’d.
S Barbados gained autonomy from England in 1651
S Encouraged white planters and plantation owners to stay in
the country well after earning their fortunes
S Became one of the most productive sugar producers into
the 1800’s
S “Sugar accounted for 25% of GDP in 1966 and 80% of our
exports, employed 25% of our workforce” (Blackman 191)

12. Post-Colonial Economy
S Gained black majority in parliament by 1950’s
S Gained full independence from England in 1966
S Includes economically
S Begin to change the basis of the economy
S Move away from sugar production
S Still a part of the economy but on a much lesser scale
S Industry and Tourism grow
S Become more economically independent from England
S Most tourists come from North America
S “By 1986, both tourism and manufacturing had overtaken sugar” (Blackman
191)
S Share of GDP from 3% in 1966 to 12% (Blackman 191)

13. British Influence on Barbados
Culture
S Often called “Little England”
S Blend of African and British culture and language
S “As early as 1837, for example, many elementary
schoolteachers were blacks who not only taught an English
classical curriculum but also strongly upheld its attendant
cultural values and behavioural attitudes.” (Stoddart 319).
S “In distinction, and essentially in opposition to this, a folk
culture persisted strongly within the black majority descended
from African slaves” (Stoddart 320).

14. British Influence on Barbados
Culture
S Many Festivals occur to celebrate special events
S 95% Christian (Anglican)
S Main music style is calypso and soca
S National Dish is Cou-Cou and Flying Fish
S Main sport is cricket
S Architecture contains Georgian, Victorian, and Jacobean styles
S Bajans never abandoned their culture. They just added on
British influence.

17. Conclusion
S The post colonial status of Blacks in Barbados is unique
when compared to other island nations. The Barbadians
are products of a successful fusion of British and African
culture. The English language and government is
practiced on a global scale, but the economy and
customs are distinctively African based on the domestic
front. The only possible problem regarding colonialism is
Barbados’ reluctance to abandon the Representative
Parliamentary government. However, that serves to
evidence the stability that the British brought to
Barbados.

18. Works Cited
S Best-winfield, Gail. “Case Study “Public Reform” The Barbados
Experience”. CARICAB. 2006. Web. 13 Nov. 2012
S Stoddart, Brian. “Cricket, Social Formation and Cultural Continuity in
Barbados: A Preliminary Ethnohistory” Journal of Sport History, Vol.
14, No. 3 (1987) Web. 13 Nov. 2012
S Blackman, Courtney. “The Barbadian Economy Since
Independence: A Look Ahead.” Money Affairs 1.2 (1988): 189-200.
Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Nov. 2012.
S Cox-alomar, Rafael. “An Anglo-Barbadian Dialogue: The Negotiations
Leading to Barbados’ Independence, 1956-66.” Round Table 93.377
(2004): 671-690. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Nov. 2012.