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.

How to make Pudding and Souse

Pudding and Souse

Every Saturday in all around Barbados,Pudding and souse is made in every rumshop or even the household.Tourists from all over the world come to Barbados to see our beautiful but also have our famous Pudding and Souse on a Saturday.Here's the recipe,so you can make it at home.

You will need:

» 2 large mixing bowls
» 2 large saucepans
» Grater
» Pork - any part that you like, Bajans use the head, tails and feet!
» Sweet potato
» Limes
» Sweet peppers
» 2 Onions
» Scotch bonnet red peppers
» Salt
» Parsley
» Thyme
» Cucumber
» Chives
» Oil
» Sugar 
» Butter 

Directions:

» Whatever part of the pig you have decided to use, as described above, you need to clean it and boil it in salt water.

» To make the pudding you grate the sweet potato in to a mixing bowl, add a pinch of sugar and salt, then add 2 oz of butter, 2 tsp of oil, chop the chives and thyme and add to the bowl.

» Grate 2 onions and add half to the bowl, save the other half for the pickle. Now set this bowl aside to absorb the flavor while you prepare the pickle.

» To make the pickle you need to grate the cucumber and sweet peppers.

» Now chop up the parsley. Then taking great care, usually wearing rubber gloves slice up half a scotch bonnet pepper in to very small pieces. Wash your hands immediately and do not touch your eyes, scotch bonnet peppers can really burn the skin.

» Now add your remaining onion to the bowl and then squeeze lime juice and salt to your mixing bowl with the cucumber, sweet peppers, scotch bonnet peppers and parsley.

» By now your pork should be cooked, so drain off the salt water and now sprinkle with lime juice.

» Now go back to your pudding mixture and put it is a grease proof oven dish and bake in the oven until cooked.

» Then serve with the pork and souse. 

Lots of Bajans in Barbados and also around the world has been making Pudding and Souse and it has been passed down through many generations.So share this recipe with friends and family and also enjoy your own Homemade Pudding and Souse the Bajan Way.

Crop Over Festival

Our Festival History

The Crop Over summer festival is Barbados' most popular and colorful festival. Its origins can be traced back to the 1780's, a time when Barbados was the world's largest producer of sugar.

At the end of the sugar season, there was always a huge celebration to mark the culmination of another successful sugar cane harvest - the Crop Over celebration.

As the sugar industry in Barbados declined, so too did the Crop Over festival and in the 1940's the festival was terminated completely. However, the festival was revived in 1974 and other elements of Barbadian culture were infused to create the extravaganza that exists today ..... an event that attracts thousands of people from across the globe.

Crop Over's Events & Activities

The festival begins with the Opening Gala and Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and the crowning of the King and Queen of the Festival - the most productive male and female cane cutters of the season.

Bridgetown Market consists of many stalls selling food and beverages as well as local arts and crafts. Enjoy the calypso and soca music and the live entertainment as you browse through the stalls.

Cohobblopot is a huge carnival-like show with members of the Kadooment bands displaying their elaborate and stunning costumes. There is also a huge entertainment package with the most popular calypsonians and bands performing to packed audiences.

The children are not left out as they can participate in the Kiddies Kadooment, donning beautiful costumes and joining their friends in a band to parade before the judges of the competition.

Folk concerts and art & photographic exhibitions are integral parts of the festival, highlighting Barbadian history and culture as well as the artistic talents of Bajans.

Calypso is one of the main features of the Crop Over festival. The calypsonians are organised into "tents" and these tents are sponsored by Barbados businesses. Calypsonians compete for several prizes and titles, including Party Monarch, Sweet Soca Monarch, Road March Monarch and Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch. The Party Monarch and more recently the Sweet Soca competition are among the festival's most popular events! The final of the Pic-O-De-Crop competition is held at Kensington Oval, and this is followed by the Fore-Day Morning Jump-Up!

The finale of the festival is the Grand Kadooment! This carnival parade features large bands with members dressed in elaborate costumes to depict various themes. Designers compete for the coveted Designer of the Year prize while the revelers seem more intent on having a good time! The revelers make their way to Spring Garden accompanied by the pulsating rythym of calypso music. When they reach Spring Garden, the party continues with more fantastic music, lots of food and drink and, for some, a quick swim at the nearby beach. A grand end to a grand festival.

Thanks to Barbados.org for this wonderful information.

Barbados Traditions

Historical Context 

Barbados traditions are drawn from the West African and British cultures that shaped the island. The majority of the population is of African origin however the island was a colony of the British Empire for over 300 years so the English influence is very strong.

The Tuk Band

The tuk band is a collection of usually brightly attired musicians playing a bass drum, kettle drum and penny-whistle. The tuk band's infectious rhythm is a call to get up and dance, or at least tap your feet! The tuk band is generally accompanied by costumed figures such as the "Shaggy Bear", "Mother Sally" and "Green Monkey", and by the very talented stiltmen.

The songs of the tuk band are a blend of African music, with its heavy drum influence, and British folk music.

Tuk bands perform at all major Barbados festivals, including the Holetown Festival, Crop Over and the Oistins Fish Festival.

Landship
The Barbados Landship is a truly unique part of our culture, whose origin can be traced back to the 1800's. The best way to describe the landship is as a "theatrical group" which performs intricate dances that reflect the passage of ships through rough seas and the activities that take place on board. Some of the most popular dances are ribbon dances around a maypole.

The performers wear costumes that are similar to those worn in the Navy. Although the organization was based on the structure of the British Navy, its dances are performed to an African rhythm, often accompanied by a tuk band, once again reflecting the merged cultures of Barbados.

Sports and Games
Barbados has a strong cricketing tradition dating back to the 1800's when the game was played by British soldiers stationed on the island and by the plantation owners and members of the aristocracy. Barbados has produced some of the world's finest cricketers including Sir Garfield Sobers, the 3 Ws (Worrell, Walcott and Weekes) and the legendary opening pair Greenidge and Haynes. International matches are held regularly at Kensington Oval.

Dominoes is incredibly popular in Barbados! In rum shops and fishing villages you'll often hear the sound of people "slamming a dom" while discussing the days events and local politics.

Although not widely played, Warri (Oware) is gaining in popularity in Barbados. The game originated in West Africa and is similar in strategy to backgammon. It was introduced into Barbados in the 17th century by slaves on the sugar plantations.

Kite flying and pitching marbles are popular childhood pastimes.

Island Festivals
Like any culture, annual festivals are deeply important to Barbadians. Each has its own historical and cultural significance and is eagerly awaited. Crop Over reflects the history of the sugar industry, a protest against injustice and the ultimate liberation of an enslaved people. The Holetown Festival commemorates the arrival of the first British settlers. The Oistins Fish Festival pays tribute to those who work in the fishing industry.

Traditional Foods

Cou-cou and flying fish is the national dish of Barbados. Cou-cou, similar to polenta or grits but more creamy, is made from corn meal and okras. It is traditionally served with steamed flying fish in a tomato-based sauce but may also be served with salt fish, red herring or stew.

Another popular dish, especially for Saturday lunch, is "pudding and souse". Pudding is steamed sweet potato. Souse is pickled pork. Souse was traditionally made from the scrap parts of the pig (ears, trotters, tongue, etc) but today is often made from lean pork meat. Pudding and souse is usually served with pickled sweet potato or pickled breadfruit. The pickle is comprised of lime, cucumber, onion and hot peppers.

Other favourites are macaroni pie, fish cakes and cutter of all sorts!

Bajans also love a fish fry. The most popular is the Oistins Fish Fry but many are held across the island, usually on a Friday night and on the weekends. Delicious, freshly caught fish is served fried or grilled with sides such as macaroni pie, grilled potatoes, coleslaw and plantain.

For a sweet refreshing treat a snow-cone is must have!

Thanks to Barbados.org and also my young knowledge for this information.

Irving Burgie Achievements

Irving Burgie is the songwriter who put Bajan music on the map. Better known under his stage name of 'Lord Burgess', his songs have sold over 100 million records around the world. He is half American and half Barbadian and was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1926.

Burgie grew up in pre-war Brooklyn, New York surrounded by the black struggle leading up to the civil rights movement in the 1940s. Despite an American environment, his Barbadian mother exposed Irving to Bajan culture, including Calypso music which would pave the way for Burgie's life.

Burige served in the US Army in an all-black battalion in the China-Burma-India Theatre in World War II where he developed a keen interest in studying music.

When he left he followed his calling and studied music at the famous Julliard School of Music; the University of Arizona; and the University of Southern California. Having learnt the theory, Burgie put it into practice and worked hard at building up his musical career through writing, singing and performing.

Burgie's first mega hit happened in the 1950s when he wrote eight of the songs on the Harry Belafonte album - Calypso, including the world renowned song "Day O, The Banana Boat Song" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMigXnXMhQ4.

This album put Barbadian music on the world map as the album became the first ever to sell over one million copies in the US. It stayed at the top of the Billboard charts for a sensational 36 weeks, and remained on the chart itself for more than a year.

His song "Day-O" has been used for multiple purposes by film makers and television producers alike including the hit film Beetlejuice and the "We Are The World" video.

However, perhaps at the pinnacle of "Day-O"'s meteoric success was when the song used as the wake-up call for the astronauts on the Space Shuttle Atlantis, whilst they circled the globe in outer space in 1997!

Burgie continued to write music for many famous groups including the Kingston Trio (The Siene, El-Matador and The Wanderer).

In 1966 Burgie was asked to write lyrics for the national anthem of Barbados, which are used in the national anthem today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfVG_NLrfC0

In 1989, Burgie received an Honourary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of the West Indies.

Today, Burgie sponsors the Irving Burgie Award for Excellence in Literary and/or Creative Arts for high school students, a scholarship which he founded in 1980. 

Thanks to Totally Barbados for this information about Irving Burgie.

Sir Garfield Sobers the Cricket Legend

Sir Garfield St. Auburn Sobers

For a small island, Barbados has exceeded all expectations by producing some of the world's biggest cricketing legends. No matter which country you visit, if you ask a cricket player what Sir Garfield Sobers is famous for, there can only be one answer - cricket.

Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers was born on 28 July, 1936 in a suburb of Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados. The fifth of six children, Sobers immediately made an impact on the world by being born with six fingers on each hand. Little did anyone realise at the time that such an extraordinary beginning would lead to such an extraordinary future.

Rising from the back streets of Barbados, Sobers soon proved himself to be an accomplished athelete, excelling at golf, soccer and basketball. But it was cricket that caught Sobers eye, and at the age of 16, he made his first class debut. Demonstrating his incredible bowling skill it took only one more year before Sobers appeared in his first Test match for the West Indies; at the remarkable age of just 17.

Sobers quickly established himself as one of the finest left-handed bowlers that the West Indies had seen; but it was four years later that Sobers unleashed his best form yet.

In 1958, at the tender age of 21, Sobers smashed a massive 365 not out against Pakistan claiming the record for the highest maiden Test century of all time, which he still holds today; and the record for the highest individual score in a test match; a record that would stand for 36 years until beaten by a fellow West Indian, Brian Lara, who hit 375 against England.

Sobers' batting achievement suddenly made the world sit up and listen - this was not just your average left-handed bowler!

In all Test matches between 1953 and 1974 Sobers amassed a mammoth 8,032 runs with an average 57.78.

And as if that wasn't enough, his bowling accomplishments of 235 Test wickets at 34.03 runs each are a fantastic acheivement; made even more remarkable as he was able to achieve these wickets by bowling left-arm orthodox, left-arm fast-medium, and with a punishing chinaman - most bowlers are lucky if they are good at one of these styles! And when Sobers was having a rest from bowling he is widely regarded as the finest fielder when it comes to close-catching.

Then there is the small matter of Sobers being the first cricketer in the history of cricket to achieve maximum runs off one over - hitting six sixes off six balls! His place in the history books was thankfully captured by the television cameras, and thanks to the wonder of the internet, we can all relive his remarkable achievement here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8dLac__KKk

Sobers retired from cricket in 1974, widely recognised as the finest all-rounder cricket player ever; a title that everyone still acknowledges today.

In the following year, in recognition of his services to cricket, Queen Elizabeth II made him a knight of the realm; and breaking with tradition, instead of performing the ceremony at Buckingham Palace she flew to Barbados and knighted Sobers at the Garrison Savannah.

Tributes to Sobers have continued since and in 1992 a new sporting facility, the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, was opened in Barbados.

In 1998, for services to cricket across the West Indies, Sobers was given the honour of the Order of the Caribbean Community in 1998.

Finally, in 1999, the Prime Minister of Barbados named Sobers as one of the ten national heroes of Barbados and granted the island a national holiday in recognition of their respective achievements.

Thanks to Totally Barbados for this information about Sir Garfield Sobers.

Ya know when ya is a Bajan......jokes

Ya know ya is a Bajan when ... 

-- You refer to a national/public holiday as a bank holiduh or a 'bank'

-- You know to 'curse' someone doesn't mean putting a spell on them

-- Ya does move 'scruffy'

-- 'Cheese on bread' ain't got nuttin' to do wid being hungry

-- Ya does use words like fowl, cock, rock stone and ram goat

-- Every childhood game can be played for 'licks'

-- Soup is water, nuff dumplings, potatoes, yams, eddoes and any other ground provision ya could find

-- You consider any hot beverage to be 'tea' - cocoa tea, coffee tea, tea tea, green tea

-- You finish your sentences wid de word 'dennnnnn'

-- You call an avocado a 'pear'

-- You take sick people to the 'horse-pit-al'

-- You say 'dat eaaaaasy' instead of 'no problems'

-- You have a bad fall and ya either 'lick up' or 'breck up'

-- You play football on the 'parse-ture'

-- 'Horning' has no association with jazz music

-- You wonder why people are always 'playin' de fool', doing 'bare foolishness' or 'sky larking'

-- Anything in the distance is 'yonder'

-- De cardinal points are eass, wess, norf and sowf

-- Yuh constantly explaining dat de dolphin you does eat is not 'Flipper'!

-- A 'cutter' is not a sharp utensil

-- You call a machete a 'cutlass'

-- A 'snakebite' meks you drunk or tipsy - depending pun how much
bites yuh have!

-- Yuh just cyant guh town an' 'doan see someone yuh know

-- When people see ya up pun de road they ask ya if ya still living

-- Yuh call everyone either 'boss man', 'boyyyyyy',
'partner' or 'skipper' (or variations of these)

-- You wouldn't dream of going out anywhere at the slightest sign of 'rain falling'

-- Yuh call a man a 'Johnny' and de man name Kevin

-- You know de 'Banks' is not only good for keeping ya money

-- In moments of disbelief, yuh does say either 'Waaaaait?!' or 'fuh chu?!'

-- Making 'sport' hardly ever has anything do wid sports

-- If ya say ya 'did de dawg', it has nothing to do wid a canine

-- You understand the phrase 'don't off-set me!'

-- You distinguish between publicly and privately-owned transport by 'bus' and 'van' 

- You can 'go up St Lucy' and 'go down St Lucy' without changing direction

-- Words like 'hard' and 'bad' have too many meanings to count

-- You speak of 'the van stand' and everyone knows what you're talking about, even though there are three of them!

-- Yuh know dat a 'hard wine' ain got nuttin tuh do wid liquor

-- Hell is both de worse and the best place ever - you could look good as hell, dem fishcakes could be oily as hell, that garbage could smell stink as hell ...

-- You know the licence plates of all public transport, and you're on a first name basis with all de drivers

-- Yuh does live 5 minutes from de beach and does get a sea bath 5 times a year, if you're lucky!

-- Yuh don't have to be an athlete to know 'bout de 'runnings'

-- Yuh know dat liming ain't got nuttin' to do with de orchard.

-- You tell the host "good night" when you first arrive at someone's home in the evening

-- When someone sympathises with you, you comment 'Yuh tink it easy?'

-- You suck all the marrow from the chicken bone and chew the ice when you finish your drink

-- You have to have black cake at Christmas 

Thanks Totally Barbados for these wonderful jokes about Ya kno when ya is a Bajan.
Check out their website:https://www.totallybarbados.com/