New Tour for 2017

Our 4x4 Outback tours around Barbados' popular sights on the rugged north, south, east coast are known to be exciting, lots of fun and filled with adventure and thrill seeking leaving you in awe of what is to come next.

What better way to discover the beautiful nature and scenic attractions that Barbados has to offer, than feeling the cool fresh breeze flowing through your hair and across your face as you experience the “outback” of Barbados.

Learn about the culture and history, not to mention the wonders of nature and the lush foliage that encompass this tranquil island as you sip on local Rum punch and laugh, generally enjoying the sights, smells and sounds around you.

Barbados is an Island of great beauty and diversity.

Join us on this scenic tour, visiting many of those special places along or near to the shoreline that truly make Barbados the gem of the Caribbean.

We begin the day at the Mount Gay Visitor’s Centre where you can experience one of the greatest treasures that Barbados has to offer! RUM. Be educated in the History of the spirit and also get the chance to sample some of the best brews.

From here we will travel up the South Coast after passing through Bridgetown, the country’s Capital and stop at the historic Garrison Savannah. (The British built the first Garrison in the West Indies at St. Ann's Fort in 1705.)

Then we make our way up the coast and through the popular fishing village of Oistins, stopping off at Miami Beach. Miami Beach is a favorite with visitors and locals alike. Whilst at the beach you will sample some local fish cakes and coconut punch.

Leaving Miami Beach we drive further up the South coast to Foul Bay; a long and wide beach whose shores are washed by turquoise waters.

Our next stop is Codrington College. Codrington College was built in 1715 and is the oldest Theological College in the western hemisphere. Just up the hill from Codrington College is our next stop St John's Church. St John's Church one of the oldest churches on the island. It is set on a cliff and captures spectacular views of the East Coast of Barbados.

From this gothic church we will journey through the Parish of St John and into St Joseph down into Bathsheba which was named for its great beauty. Bathsheba is also the location of the Soup Bowl, the favorite stop for surfers in Barbados not to mention Kelly Slater; World renowned Pro Surfer!

After a morning of excitement and gorgeous views, it will be time to taste the flavor of Barbados with local cuisine served up at our lunch stop.

Following lunch we will make our way to Morgan Lewis Windmill. The windmill is on the top 100 endangered historical sites in the world and sits just below Cherry Tree Hill where we will also make a short photo op stop.

The Journey continues to the Northern tip of the island stopping at North Point. The Northern point of the island differs drastically from most of the island. Here you will find waves crashing into limestone cliffs in a most dramatic fashion.

Next we head down the West Coast of the Island through two of the Islands oldest towns Speightstown and Holetown. Speightstown was also known as "Little Bristol"? and was once the main port on the Island. Holetown was the sight of the first British settlement. Not to mention there is the chattel House Village where one can buy memoirs and souvenirs (Once the Village is Open.)

Enjoy Our signature ‘Pirate Punch throughout the entirety of the ride, We just hope you’re pirate enough to handle it as we make a circle around this “rock” (as the locals call it” we call home!

Tour Operator: A Plus Tours & Events

Name of Tour/s: Drink & Drive

Port: The Bridgetown Port

Tour Development Contact Person: Kate White OR Leonora Phillips-Jemmott

Tour Development Email: tours@aplustoursbb.com sales@aplustoursbb.com

Tour Operator Address (for billing purposes):

2^nd Street Mango Bay,

Holetown St. James,

Barbados. BB21406

Tour Operator General Contact Number: +1-246-238-3666/+1-246-243-2181

Tour Operator Number for Tour Fulfillment: +1-246-238-3666

Tour Operator Number for Emergency Shore Excursions Group or Tour Sales Use: +1-246-238-3666

Tour Operator Number for Emergency Customer Use: +1-246-238-3666

Tour Operator Email Address for sending tour requests: tours@aplustoursbb.com

Name of Contact Person for Order Fulfillment: Kate White

Can we Free-Sell: Yes you can.

Duration of tour: 6-7hours

Minimum Tour Capacity: 10

Maximum Tour Capacity: 30

Adult Net Rate (Standard) from 1 pax to 50 pax: $ 200.00usd per person

Child Net Rate (Standard) from 1 pax to 50 pax: n/a

Adult Net Rate (Private for groups) from 1 pax to 50 pax: $210 usd per person

Child Net Rate (Private for group) from 1 pax to 50 pax: n/a

What age is free:n/a

Infant Definition: n/a

Child Definition: n/a

Tour Type: Active, Scenic, Beach/Water, Informative, Interactive, Cultural, Historical

Size: small to standard including private.

Vehicle Type : Air Conditioned Luxury Van/Coach for transfers where applicable/out doors jeep

Departure Time: 9:30 am (*If collecting from more than one ship that dock at different times the departure time can be changed to a later time.)

Accessibility: This Van can carry a wheelchair, This tour can be accessed by persons in wheelchairs.

Multi-lingual guides: $100 USD extra for the entire group, does not differ based on the number of persons in the group. At least 24-36 hours before the tour is the deadline for alerting the Tour Development agent that they will require a multi-lingual guide.

How many complimentary spaces can you allow on this tour: NIL. The only exception made is if there is a tour operator who would like to sit in on the tour. We can make provisions for this person to receive complimentary perks.

Do all vehicles have A/C: No.

Are there restrooms on the vehicles: No

Can you accommodate luggage: no

Is there a separate guide and driver or driver/guide: the guide is the driver

Tour Dates: All of our Tours run Daily, Year round.

Are Tour Dates the same year after year: Yes

Blackout Dates: NIL

Activity Level:

Easy- Moderate : light to some walking expected, also it is at the guests own discretion.

Recommended Dress: Casual.

Tour Inclusions: Friendly Guide, arranged Transportation

Food & Beverage Details: light snacks provided at beach stop, lunch included at a local spot. Drinks included.

Customer Restrictions: There is no height restriction, no weight restriction. There are no children allowed (18 years and over)

Handicap accessible: Yes

Payment Method: Credit Card , cash on departure.

Payment Timing: Payment must be made within 48 hours of booking. If persons do last minute booking they are allowed to pay cash on departure.

Cancellation Policy: 24 hr cancel policy

Cancel fees, payment policy for private group tour: Cancellation Fee is 50% of the tour (due to the fact that certain aspects of this tour must be pre-booked and slots that would have gone to other paying customers would have been used up but to no avail. ** Private Group Tour, Payment must be made by 48 hours after booking.

Custom, Single, or Multiple Pick Up Point: Single Pick-up Point

Tour Departure Point: Gate 1 at the Bridgetown Port.

Meeting Instructions (This information will be printed on the customer’s e-ticket/voucher. Please include any information the customer will find helpful regarding where/who to meet and any voucher exchange details.): Meet tour guide at gate 1, he will have a printed sign with the Company’s Name if large groups will be coming or for smaller groups the sign will be printed with the guest’s Family name/s.

Does tour departure point change by number of people: No

Does the tour itinerary change by number of people: No

Any important additional information that needs to be noted to the customer that is not included in the fields above, please list here: Please bring loads of sunscreen. Hats and sandals or flip-flops are great attire. Extra bottled water.

Full Description / Highlights of the tour:

Our 4x4 Outback tours around Barbados' popular sights on the rugged north, south, east coast are known to be exciting, lots of fun and filled with adventure and thrill seeking leaving you in awe of what is to come next.

What better way to discover the beautiful nature and scenic attractions that Barbados has to offer, than feeling the cool fresh breeze flowing through your hair and across your face as you experience the “outback” of Barbados.

Learn about the culture and history, not to mention the wonders of nature and the lush foliage that encompass this tranquil island as you sip on local Rum punch and laugh, generally enjoying the sights, smells and sounds around you.

Barbados is an Island of great beauty and diversity.

Join us on this scenic tour, visiting many of those special places along or near to the shoreline that truly make Barbados the gem of the Caribbean.

We begin the day at the Mount Gay Visitor’s Centre where you can experience one of the greatest treasures that Barbados has to offer! RUM. Be educated in the History of the spirit and also get the chance to sample some of the best brews.

From here we will travel up the South Coast after passing through Bridgetown, the country’s Capital and stop at the historic Garrison Savannah. (The British built the first Garrison in the West Indies at St. Ann's Fort in 1705.)

Then we make our way up the coast and through the popular fishing village of Oistins, stopping off at Miami Beach. Miami Beach is a favorite with visitors and locals alike. Whilst at the beach you will sample some local fish cakes and coconut punch.

Leaving Miami Beach we drive further up the South coast to Foul Bay; a long and wide beach whose shores are washed by turquoise waters.

Our next stop is Codrington College. Codrington College was built in 1715 and is the oldest Theological College in the western hemisphere. Just up the hill from Codrington College is our next stop St John's Church. St John's Church one of the oldest churches on the island. It is set on a cliff and captures spectacular views of the East Coast of Barbados.

From this gothic church we will journey through the Parish of St John and into St Joseph down into Bathsheba which was named for its great beauty. Bathsheba is also the location of the Soup Bowl, the favorite stop for surfers in Barbados not to mention Kelly Slater; World renowned Pro Surfer!

After a morning of excitement and gorgeous views, it will be time to taste the flavor of Barbados with local cuisine served up at our lunch stop.

Following lunch we will make our way to Morgan Lewis Windmill. The windmill is on the top 100 endangered historical sites in the world and sits just below Cherry Tree Hill where we will also make a short photo op stop.

The Journey continues to the Northern tip of the island stopping at North Point. The Northern point of the island differs drastically from most of the island. Here you will find waves crashing into limestone cliffs in a most dramatic fashion.

Next we head down the West Coast of the Island through two of the Islands oldest towns Speightstown and Holetown. Speightstown was also known as "Little Bristol"? and was once the main port on the Island. Holetown was the sight of the first British settlement. Not to mention there is the chattel House Village where one can buy memoirs and souvenirs (Once the Village is Open.)

Enjoy Our signature ‘Pirate Punch throughout the entirety of the ride, We just hope you’re pirate enough to handle it as we make a circle around this “rock” (as the locals call it” we call home!

Tour Highlights:

• The Mount Gay Visitor’s Centre
• Bathsheba
• Lunch
• Morgan Lewis Windmill
• Bridgetown Port

Please send at least three high resolution pictures per tour:

Mount Gay Visitor’s Centre

Bridgetown Barbados

The Garrison Savannah ( World Heritage Sight)

Miami beach

Foul Bay

Fish Cakes

Codrington college

St. John’s Church

Bathsheba

The Morgan Lewis Windmill

Cherry Tree Hill and the amazing view

Rugged North Point

above was the sign post at north point

Speightstown

Speightstown

Holetown Police Station

Hotel Chattel house Village

The view of the street from Lime Grove Mall Holetown

Facing North – Tales from Bathsheba

Facing North – Tales from Bathsheba

“If you keep facing north, you’ll never see the sun rise.” These are the words of the character, Three Schools, in the story Facing North. It is the story that gives the collection its name, Facing North – Tales from Bathsheba. It is Three Schools’ way of saying that you won’t find the right answer, if you are not looking in the right place. This applies to many of the characters in the book of short stories by Barbadian author Edison T. Williams. The ten intriguing stories span almost a century of Barbadian life starting in the 1930s. The stories are told with humour and the insight of someone who understands the nuances of this small Caribbean society. These stories are about the drama of life in a small community. They also deal with the way in which villagers’ lives can from time to time be impacted by its transient residents. But the Bathsheba in these stories is more than a small seaside village; it is a microcosm of Barbados.

Story By.....
http://www.storiesfrombarbados.com

The Pride of Barbados

Pride of Barbados

The National Flower of Barbados is the Pride of Barbados (Dwarf Poinciana or Flower Fence).

The Pride of Barbados blooms all year round, the more common varieties are a fiery red and yellow "sunset colour" although other variations can be found.

The National Flower is accepted as the red variety with the Yellow Margin on the petals. It appears on the Barbados Coat of Arms. Other varieties are yellow or orange/pink.

References to this flower were recorded as early as 1657. It is a shrub and is often pruned into a low hedge. If untrimmed it grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet. It is a member of the Legume family and can be found in other tropical countries.

The flower has five petals with a yellow margin in a pyramidal inflorescence. Each flower is about 1½ inches across with five sepals. The ten stamens are long and the pistils project from the centre of the flower. The fifth petal is far smaller than the other four. The stamens have coloured filaments with anthers at the tips however, the eleventh filament bears a stigma and is the style.

The branches a prickly and the leaves are large and doubly compound about one foot long and six inches wide with many small leaflets.

History of Dame Nita Barrow

Dame Nita Barrow, (born Nov. 15, 1916, St. Lucy, Barbados—died Dec. 19, 1995, Bridgetown, Barbados), Barbadian public health official and diplomat who , capped a long and distinguished career with her appointment in 1990 as the first woman governor-general of Barbados.She was also the sister of Errol Barrow, first Prime Minister of Barbados. 

Life and career

Ruth Nita Barrow was born in Barbados, the second of her parents' five children.She trained as a nurse, midwife and health care administrator, holding a variety of nursing, public health and public administration jobs in Barbados and Jamaica in the 1940s/1950s.

She was a member of the Commonwealth Group of Eminent Persons that visited South Africa in 1986. During that mission she successfully thwarted South Africa's military restrictions, through entering the restricted area of Alexandra township disguised in African garb and head-dress.

In 1980 Barrow was conferred the highest honour in Barbados; she was made a Dame of St. Andrew (DA) of the Order of Barbados. She was also awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Nursing.

Legacy

The Errol & Nita Barrow Educational Trust raises funds and make financial awards to enable Barbadians and Commonwealth Caribbean citizens to pursue a course of study that will further the development of Barbados and the Caribbean.

Thanks to my knowledge and also Wikipedia about Dame Nita Barrow.

Samuel Jackman Prescod

Samuel Jackman Prescod (1806 - 1871)

In 1806, Samuel Jackman Prescod was born out of wedlock to a free coloured woman by the name of Lydia Smith and a wealthy white landowner by the name of William Prescod. His primary education was gained while attending St. Mary's School and sometime later he was trained as a joiner.

Life as a Writer

His early life reality of being quite vulnerable to society as a result of his complexion, proved to be by no means a hindrance to him as he was determined not to go through life feeling sorry for himself. On the contrary and against all odds, he used his gift of writing to empower those around him, provoke thinking and bring about great awareness of the many social injustices that so plagued the country.

In 1829, his campaign for the liberation of free coloured people gained great strength and in 1831, he successfully won permission for free coloured people to exercise their fundamental right to vote.

It came as no surprise that he would go on to hold the very challenging position of editor at the “New Times” newspaper in March 1836. A mere eight months later, he stepped down from that position as he felt that there was a breach on the part of the “New Times” newspaper. Still eager to get his message out, he later joined “The Liberal” newspaper which was founded by the poor whites for the sole purpose of rectifying social prejudices. For some 25 years, through his continued clever usage of the pen, he persevered to educate, convey thoughts and hopefully unite coloured, blacks and poor whites.

A few months into production, “The Liberal” ran into a financial hurdle. Prescod’s deep seated conviction about the powerful and effectiveness of the media, led him to make a quick decision along with Thomas Harris to buy the media house. Prescod’s revolutionary approach not only landed him a reputation as being a “counselor” and “trouble maker” but also landed him in jail in 1840 charged with criminal libel.

His Political Career

On June 6, 1843, history was made when Prescod was elected as a member of the newest constituency, the City of Bridgetown. This election made him the first non-white to sit in the House of Assembly. Whether he chose to dabble in the media or in politics, it became resoundingly clear that the people were always in favour of his chosen path. With possession of this knowledge, he was able to use his influence to form a political party called "The Liberal Party". Known as the opposition, this party continued his personal fight for social justice.

Prescod’s retirement from Parliament came in 1860 but he later accepted the position as Judge of the Assistant Court of Appeal.

On September 26th, 1871 he died at the age of 65 and he was buried at St. Mary's Church yard in Bridgetown.

Prescod was particularly noted for his work in creating educational facilities for the children of ex-slaves. It comes as no surprise that in 1969, The Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic was established at University Row, Deep Water Harbour in the city of Bridgetown. This institution was named after Samuel Jackman Prescod due to the immeasureable contribution he made to the underprivileged in an effort to improve their standard of living. The Samuel Jackman Precod Polytechnic is currently located in Wildey, St. Michael.

Errol Walton Barrow

Rt. Hon. Errol Walton Barrow (1920 - 1987)

Born to the late Rev. Reginald Grant Barrow and the late Ruth nee O'Neal in Nesfield, in the parish of St. Lucy on January 21st, 1920, Barbados’ Father of Independence Errol Walton Barrow was born. Born into a family of political activists, he was also the nephew of the legendary Dr. Charles Duncan O'Neal, founder of the Democratic League and brother of Barrow's mother.

Early Life

He received his primary education at Wesley Hall Boys School and was able to win a scholarship at the age of 11 that took him to Combermere. At the age of 14 he was able to win another scholarship that took him to Harrison College. In 1939, he won yet another scholarship. This time an Island Scholarship that would take him to Codrington College. Barrow chose not to take the scholarship but decided to teach at Foundation School and worked for a brief period in the Petty Debt Court. His interest in the military had risen and in November of 1940, he joined the war effort by enlisting in the Royal Air Force and serving in World War II. Seven years later in 1947, he enrolled at Lincoln’s Inn and entered London University. In 1949, he studied law and successfully completed his bar finals and graduated with a B.Sc. (Econ) the following year. In 1950, he returned to Barbados as a practicing barrister-at-law and was called to the Bar where he had a very successful law practice.

His Political Career

In 1950 Barrow returned to Barbados with great eagerness for political economics. He became a member of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and won a seat from the parish of St. George that same year. In 1955, as a result of great dissatisfaction with the leadership of the BLP, he formed his own political party the Democratic Labour Party (DLP). In the 1956 General Elections, he lost his seat but returned to Parliament after successfully contesting a by-election in St. John in 1958. Barrow successfully lead the DLP to victory in the elections of 1961 and became Premier of Barbados in 1961 until 1966, when he then took the island into Independence from Britain and became the first Prime Minister of the new Nation.

1966 to 1976 and again from 1985 to 1987 were the years that saw Barrow serving this country as Prime Minister. Periods where he left indellible marks on the lives and hearts of many Barbadians.

On December 4, 1961, the DLP won the General Elections and used it as a time to make a mark on the social and economic status of the country. To name a few, unemployed were looked after, road restoration programmes were put in place, secondary education was provided free for all and massive debushing programmes were implemented.

Barbados became a member of the Organisation of American States in 1968 as a result of Barrow and in 1968 along with other regional leaders, he launched the Caribbean Free Trade Area which was the forerunner to CARICOM.

His political and practicing achievements were so etched in the minds of Barbadians that in 1971, he took the DLP into a landslide victory that saw them winning 18 of the 24 available seats in the House of Assembly.

In the 1976 General Elections, Barrow (after 15 years in power) was defeated by the Barbados Labour Party which was under the leadership of J.M.G.M. “Tom” Adams. From 1976 to 1986, Barrow spent in Opposition.

Barrow at the age of 66, made history when he led the DLP to victory in a 24-3 landslide mark.

After just one year in office, on June 1, 1987 the Barrow died suddenly.

Remembering the Father of Our Nation

In 1989, January 21 was declared a National Holiday in Barbados (Errol Barrow Day). A public holiday that is used as a time to reflect on the immeasurable  contribution Barrow made to the island of Barbados. A contribution that among many things saw us break away from Britain and become independent. In the same year of 1989, the Rt. Hon. Errol Walton Barrow was declared one of Barbados' National Heroes.

Errol Walton Barrow was a great man and we cherish everything he has done for us.Thanks to Barbados Pocket Guide for this information.

How to make Macaroni Pie Bajan Style

INGREDIENTS

1 lb macaroni
1 green sweet pepper, chopped
2 tbsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 onion, chopped
2 tbsp French's Mustard
fresh parsley, chopped

16 oz grated Cheddar cheese

2 tbsp Bajan seasoning 

A good Bajan seasoning, if not available locally, can be made with the following ingredients:

black pepper
garlic
onion
clove
thyme
green onions
parsley
hot pepper
paprika

Chop and finely mash ingredients letting all the juices mix together. Use a fork to mash the seasoning. You've got a good Bajan seasoning!

Preparing the Pie:

Cook and drain macaroni (do not overcook). Transfer to a large bowl, and add in remaining ingredients (including 3/4 cheese). Mix everything together with a spoon. Place macaroni into a pyrex dish using the 1/4 grated cheese on top as a crust.Place in oven at 350°F degrees. Pie is finished when the top cheese starts to look slightly brown. Now, this is tasty macaroni pie, enjoy!!
Note: No need to add eggs unless you want a stiff pie or high cholesterol!
Bajan style cooking it right!

Thanks to Cooks.com for this wonderful recipe.