It is believed that Barbados’ first inhabitants were the Amerindians, more specifically the peaceful Arawaks and the cannibalistic Caribs.  The Portuguese followed in 1537 and introduced wild boar to the island. Thet are also responsible for naming Barbados. The name has been an enduring mystery as the word means "Bearded Ones". The Indians had disappeared by the time the first settlers – the British – landed in 1627. The British ruled until November 30, 1966, when Barbados became independent.

In 1998, Barbados officially named and honoured its National Heroes. These people brought credit to their nation wherever they went.

Bussa (birthdate unknown – 1816) – a slave revolutionary who perished in the rebellion of 1816.

Sara Ann Gill (1795-1866) – a courageous defender of the Methodist faith. Ms. Gill was a Free Coloured and persecuted as one of the leaders of a religion considered to be an agitator for anti-slavery.

Samuel Jackman Prescod (1806-1871) – the first non-white to sit in the House of Assembly.

Charles Duncan O’ Neal (1879-1936) – the first man in the history of Barbados who, with university education and a profession, aligned himself with the downtrodden.

Clement Payne (1904-1941) – born in Trinidad of Bajan parents, he held public meetings in Barbados for four months in an effort to help the poor working class see the importance of coming together to resist the rich white plantocracy.

Sir Grantley Adams (1898-1971) – First Premier of Barbados and the only Prime Minister of the West Indies Federation.

Errol Barrow (1920-1987) – the Father of Barbados’ Independence and the first Prime Minister of Barbados.

Sir Hugh Springer (1913-1994) – an educator, politician, leader of organized labour, parliamentarian, member of Government, and Head of State.

Sir Frank Walcott (1916-1999) – trade union stalwart who served the people for 50 years.

Sir Garfield Sobers (1936- ) – “the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen” and a fine gentleman, Sir Garfield has devoted himself to a number of Barbadian causes.


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