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BarbadosPost-ColonialismDaniel BamberJayden Bonner

Caleb Kidle-Parrish

Thesis

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.

Blacks in Barbados successfully adopted an English government through British colonialism while maintaining strong African economic principles and culture.

Early Colonialism Gov.

First English ship landed on May 14th, 1625 on uninhabited islands

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).

House of Assembly in 1639

1645, the island underwent further division – this time into eleven parishes. The Assembly comprised 22 elected members – two from each parish (Best-Winfield 2).

Early Colonialism

On January 11, 1652, Articles of Agreement were signed between England and Barbados ensuring the “rights of the people”. (Best-Winfield 3).

Slavery Abolished in 1826 after slave revolt by Washington Franklin

New citizens become extremely literate and take various offices

After numerous labor party divisions, Barbados becomes independent in 1961

Errol Barrow becomes first Prime Minister

Barrow

Post-Colonialism Gov.

Barbados is a young independent country

It is currently in the process of becoming fully independent of the Crown.

“Unlike places such as Jamaica and Trinidad…Barbados was one of the few colonies that fell into European hands without bloodshed” (Cox-Alomar 673)

Post-Colonialism Gov.

“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)

Barbados enjoys stability and is fearful of losing it.

Colonial Economy

English colonized the small island in 1625 Found uninhabited 1650 island transformed into a monocropping sugar

producer Used the plantation system and slavery

Colonial Economy cont’d.

Barbados gained autonomy from England in 1651 Encouraged white planters and plantation owners to

stay in the country well after earning their fortunes Became one of the most productive sugar producers

into the 1800’s “Sugar accounted for 25% of GDP in 1966 and 80%

of our exports, employed 25% of our workforce” (Blackman 191)

Post-Colonial Economy

Gained black majority in parliament by 1950’s Gained full independence from England in 1966

Includes economically

Begin to change the basis of the economy Move away from sugar production

Still a part of the economy but on a much lesser scale Industry and Tourism grow

Become more economically independent from England Most tourists come from North America “By 1986, both tourism and manufacturing had overtaken sugar”

(Blackman 191) Share of GDP from 3% in 1966 to 12% (Blackman 191)

British Influence on Barbados Culture

Often called “Little England”

Blend of African and British culture and language

“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).

“In distinction, and essentially in opposition to this, a folk culture persisted strongly within the black majority descended from African slaves” (Stoddart 320).

British Influence on Barbados Culture

Many Festivals occur to celebrate special events

95% Christian (Anglican)

Main music style is calypso and soca

National Dish is Cou-Cou and Flying Fish

Main sport is cricket

Architecture contains Georgian, Victorian, and Jacobean styles

Bajans never abandoned their culture. They just added on British influence.

Conclusion

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.

Works Cited

Best-winfield, Gail. “Case Study “Public Reform” The Barbados Experience”. CARICAB. 2006. Web. 13 Nov. 2012

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

Blackman, Courtney. “The Barbadian Economy Since Independence: A Look Ahead.” Money Affairs 1.2 (1988): 189-200. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Nov. 2012.

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.