Barbados, a Caribbean nation known for its vibrant beaches, rich cricket heritage, and as the birthplace of rum and international music star Rihanna, has officially severed ties with the British monarchy. On November 30, 2021, the island became a republic. Our past This historic juncture also marks the wonderful evolution of the territory, from indigenous dwelling, to colonial rule, through to self-governance.
This culinary journey through the diverse and rich history of Barbados started well before European contact. The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib people, who called the island Ichirouganaim. All of that changed instantly with the British settlement of the island in 1625. By 1627, Barbados was quickly developing into a prosperous agricultural society, known for its dye, cotton, and tobacco plantations and more recently sugar. The critical tipping point came when one large ship surprised the whole colony by arriving at the island, loaded with 80 Englishmen and 10 Africans. This set into motion a deeply tragic period of the island’s history.
Colonial Foundations and Economic Impact
By 1639, a thriving British colony in Barbados had created one of the world’s oldest parliaments. This was the most severe, and perhaps last, consolidation of colonial power on the island. As the economy flourished along with a booming sugar crop, the population exploded. Sadly, this booming economic development came at a heavy price. Spanish and Portuguese slave raiders killed most of the local indigenous population. This destruction created openings for millions of enslaved Africans to be brought to these shores.
The harsh conditions of slavery established one of the most horrific chapters in Barbadian history. Burdened by brutal working conditions under which they produced sugar, enslaved people routinely fought back against their masters. Perhaps most famously, a major slave revolt exploded in 1816, emphasizing the growing aspirations for liberty and equality across the enslaved community. These sweeping changes still are very much alive in the national psyche.
A Shift Towards Autonomy
Barbados began a slow process of self-governance during the 20th Century. It obtained full self-governance in 1961 and entered the Commonwealth as a full member. Underneath this success, the creative conditions set by colonial rule laid deep roots affecting society as a whole. Firhaana Bulbulia, a local activist, highlighted these lingering effects:
“The wealth gap, the ability to own land and even access to loans from banks all have a lot to do with structures built out of being ruled by Britain.”
As Barbados navigated its path toward independence, Queen Elizabeth II visited the island six times, including during a notable Caribbean tour in 1966 with Prince Philip. Most recently, the then Prince of Wales, King Charles III, visited in 2019, emphasizing the lasting connections between Barbados and the British monarchy.
On November 30, 2021, Barbados celebrated its 55th year of independence by becoming a republic. When Dame Sandra Mason was inaugurated as president, she replaced the British monarch as head of state. This momentous occasion was heralded as a fresh start for Barbadians, who desired to retake control of their identity and self-governance.
The Road Ahead
The move to a republic is more than just cosmetic — it marks a deep cultural and political realignment. Today, Barbadians are thinking deeply about their past as they walk into a future free from the burdens of colonial history. Firhaana Bulbulia poignantly remarked:
“The actual chains [of slavery] were broken and we no longer wore them, but the mental chains continue to persist in our mindsets.”
As Barbados moves forward as a republic, it has taken steps to address historical injustices and promote social equity among its citizens. The country now faces immense pressure to begin addressing these structural inequities rooted in its colonial legacy. Simultaneously, it ebulliently embraces its unique cultural heritage.
