A Bajan Tour Girl Exploring Barbados

Bajan Tour Girl News

2011-06-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

The Bajan Tour Girl is now officily registered in Barbados woo hoo.

I have lots of new and exciting things to come but for now I just wanted to share a few of the new videos I recorded last week :)

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

"Cricket Lovely Cricket" the sport of Barbados and the West Indies Part 2

2011-06-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

The Language of the game... Understanding Cricket terms.

All Rounder: A player who is capable of batting, bowling and fielding competently. The most famous person to fall in the category just so happens to be a Barbadian, he is Sir Garfield Sobers.

Appeal: A loud call made to the umpire for a batsman given out.

Averages: Batsman average equals number of runs scored, number of innings played minus the number of times not out. Bowler’s Average eaquals number of runs Conceded over the number of wickets taken.

Bails: Two wooded cross pieces over the top of the stumps.

Ball: The ball is round and cased in stitched red leather. It can be up to 9 inches but must not be less than 8.8125 inches. The weight should also not be less than 5.5 ounces and no more that 5.75 ounces.

Bats: Bats are traditionally made from English willow with a cane handle. They should not be longer that 38 inches or wider than 4.75 inches. The flat part of the bat is known as the blade and is used to hit the ball.

Batsman: Every member of the team is expected to bat in a match but it is only the first 5 batsman in a team that are considered specialist batsman. The opening pair are given the task of setting the foundation for the others to build on. The most fruitful opening pair in test cricket were Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes of the West Indies who over a period of 13 years amassed 6482 runs in 148 innings at an average of 47.31.

Bouncer: A fast short pitched delivery which reaches the batsman at shoulder height or above.

Boundary: The perimeter of the playing field that should be clearly marked. The boundary is the part of the perimeter nearest to the umpire. When the ball crosses or touches a boundary marker the batsman is said to have “struck a boundary”

Bowled: To be “Bowled” is a form of dismissal. For a batsman to be bowled the ball must hit the wicket and dislodge a bail.

Bowler: Each team will have four or five specialist bowlers. They are either fast bowlers or spin bowlers or variations of either.

Byes: These are any runs that are made when the ball passes the wicket untouched by the bat or body of the batsman.

Caught: This too is a form of dismissal. A batsman is out caught if he hits the ball with the bat, glove or hand holding the bat and it is caught by a fielder within the playing area before it hits the ground.

Century: 100 runs made by an individual batsman

Chinaman: The left arm bowlers off. Break to a right handed batsman. It is said to have derived its name from Ellis Achongh, a Trinidadian of Chinese decent who played for the West Indies. It was his unorthodox delivery getting and English batsman out that is said to have prompted the remark that he was “done in by a Chinaman”.

Crease: There are 3 sets of creases marked at each end of the pitch

1. The bowling crease is the line along which the stumps are set
2. The popping crease is positioned parallel to the bowling crease with four feet between them.
3. The return crease is at right angels from each end of the bowling creases extending past the popping crease.

Declaration: The Captain of a batting side can declare an innings over at any time. However the declaration is usually used in effort to effect a result in a game rather than let the match draw.

Delivery: Each time a ball is bowled it is called a delivery. There are six deliveries in every over.

Dismissal: A batsman can be dismissed in one of the following ways:

1. Bowled
2. Caught
3. Hit Wicket
4. Hitting the ball twice
5. Handled ball
6. Leg before wicket LBW
7. Obstructing the field
8. Run out
9. Stumped.
10. Timed Out

Dot Ball: The dot (period) is used instead of zero (0) by the scorer in the score book when no run comes of a bowled ball or delivery

Draw: Any match which fails to produce a result. Not to be confused with a TIE.

Duck: When a batsman is given out without having scored any runs. Courtney Walsh holds the record for this shameful term. He was out 39 times without scoring in his career.

Duckworth Lewis System: A mathematical system which sets revised targets in rain interrupted limited over matches.

Extras: Runs added to the bating teams score other than the batsman scoring. These include byes, leg byes, wides and no balls.

Fielding: There are 34 basic positions for a field set for a right handed batsman.

Flipper: A leg spin delivery with under spin that bounces lower than normal. An action first accredited to the Australian spin bowler Clarrie Grimmett who played Test Cricket between 1924 and 1936. The Flipper was perfected by Australian spinner Shane Warne.

Follow On: In a match two innings per side the team batting second can be asked to continue batting if at the end of their first innings they have failed to reach the total runs set by the first team or come within range of the total. This shortfall is determined be the number of days the game is to be played. In a five day match 200 runs. In a four day match 150 runs in a three day match 100 runs.

Free Hit: In the twenty/20 version of the game a NO BALL is followed by a free hit. The batsman cannot be bowled or caught from this delivery but he can be run out.

Full Toss: A ball which reaches the batsman without touching the pitch/ground.

More to follow.....

"Cricket Lovely Cricket" the sport of Barbados and the West Indies Part 1

2011-06-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

For some people when they hear the word "Cricket" they think of a insect that is somewhat related to a grass hopper and makes a terribly loud and irritating sound. This sound is especially irritating when one is woken in the night by its high pitch screeching. I have spent many a night searching the rooms of my home to find one of these menacing creatures that always seem insistent on continuing in their tortuous performance.

For most of us in the Caribbean it is the sport of cricket and for many of us the word conjures up images that beguine in our childhood and stretch throughout our lifetime. For me my first memory of cricket is of my dad standing behind me with his arms over my arms showing me how to correctly hold a cricket bat. My father’s name is Mark Taylor and no not the Australian cricketer Mark Taylor but none the less he was a cricketer. He played for the Wonderers Cricket Club in Barbados as a young man and he had a real love for the game, a love that he tried to pass on to his children. I also have memories of beach cricket games and snapshots of the traditional cricket whites with the bowlers pants stained from the red cricket ball still reside in my brain.

So what exactly is the game of cricket?

To be honest I have drifted quite far away from this beloved Caribbean sport and have decided to invested in a few books to help refresh my memory and to rekindle my interest in the game.

Cricket was being played in England as far back as the 1550’s. The game developed among wealthy land owners who fielded the teams and their workers were the players.

Popularity for the sport spread and had become such a popular spectator sport that in 1787 Thomas Lord (a professional English cricketer) leased a piece of land in Marylebone London and established a private cricket ground in order to keep commoners out. The club moved location several times until it came to rest at its current location named Lords after Thomas Lord. Lords remains the bastion of English cricket to this day.

Although the United States is not known for cricket today it was there that the first international cricket game was played in 1844. It was after the American Civil War that cricket dies off in America and baseball emerged in its place.

The popularity of cricket outside of England can be attributed to English colonization. Wherever the English army had a garrison there was provision made for a cricket pitch.

First class cricket was first played in Barbados in 1865. By 1895 the sport had developed enough in the Caribbean to attract a team from England. So successful was the first tour that no fewer than four English teams came back to the Caribbean within the next ten years. Cricket was seen as having been played at a very high standard in the West Indies by the year 1900.

The first West Indians to travel to England to play cricket was a group of 15 in 1990. Only 5 of the 15 were black men and at that time the Victorian press took the view that “men of color” were incapable of playing such a sophisticated game as cricket with the same patience and intelligence as Anglo-Saxons. It is sad to say but at the turn of the century cricketers were not selected based on ability but on their skin color, social standing, and age. Many historians arge over whether the liberalism and democracy of the colonies paved the way for the liberalism and democracy cricket or the other way around…… Even in a game one can find politics and society play a great role.

More Tomorrow……

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

Hello from the Bajan Tour Girl: Time to begin exploring Barbados again

2011-06-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

Much time has passed between my last post and this one. It was a very busy winter season for this Bajan Tour Girl and all of us at Glory Tours. I have missed my time blogging and researching the many rich and colorful stories that are spun together in such a marvelous fashion to make my Island home Barbados what it is today.

A very dear friend has inspired at least two of my upcoming blogs. They are both extremely important parts of our history and culture and by omitting them I would be doing not only myself but them a great injustice.

They have both in their own way, along with those that have represented them the best, added much flavor not only to Barbados but the Caribbean as whole. Leaving them out of the story would be like trying to mix a “Rum and Pepsi” or a “Rum and Coconut” without the Rum. It simply cannot be done.

What are these two things that I speak of you may wonder. They are of course Cricket lovely cricket, the sport of the Caribbean and Calypso the songs of the people.

LOL off the buy some books tomorrow (smile)

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

Barbados Coat of Arms

2010-11-20T17:48:00.000-08:00

I can still remember learning about our National Coat of arms as a child. Today when I look at it it means so much more to me.

As I look over it, the things that it includes and that which they mean. Many things come to mind.

It includes a image of a fish to represent our fishing industry.The fish of itself is said to be a dolphin however though wonderful looking it bears no resemblance to the dolphin fish.

The Pelican which for me is one of the saddest part as we no longer have these wonderful birds in Barbados.

The Bearded Fig tree on the shield holds two memories for me. It takes me back to my childhood when I would grab on to the hanging beard like vines and swing off the cliffs by my home. The other story I recall carries the story as to how Barbados got its name. This of course was when Pedro Campos saw these trees and said "Los Barbados" The bearded one.

The Flowers are of coarse our national flower "The Pride of Barbados" These are wonderful delicate yellow and orange flowers that can still be seen growing along roadsides and garden beds across the island.

Above the shield is a helmet and mantling and on a wreath is the arm and hand of a Barbadian holding two crossed pieces of sugar cane symbolic of the sugar industry. After studying the African Slave trade this means so much more to me.

This is a saltire cross, the cross upon which Saint Andrew was crucified. Independence day in Barbados is celebrated on November 30, Saint Andrews Day.

The grant of arms conveyed by royal warrant was presented by Her Majesty the Queen to the President of the Senate of the island on February 14, 1966 on the occasion of the Royal Visit to Barbados.

Prior to this grant of Arms the only other heraldic device was the seal of the colony. It represented the British Sovereign in a shell chariot being drawn by two sea horses through foaming waves. The seal was changed when there was a new monarch. King sits in the chariot while the Queens stand.

The Coat of Arms carries the motto "Pride and Industry."

The Barbados Coat of Arms was designed by Mr. Neville C. Connell. Mr. Connell was a director of the Barbados Museum for almost 24 years. He was a prolific writer and contributed a great number of articles for the Museum Journals, local newspapers as well as publications overseas.

He was educated at Harrison College, Barbados and Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. He was called to the Bar at Grey's Inn. He served in the Royal Artillery on the outbreak of war. After his discharge he worked in an Antique Dealer's business and was also Assistant Secretary of the Institute Practitioners in Advertising.

The Design of Barbados Coat of Arms was the result of extensive research conducted by Mr. Connell who was a student of Heraldy. He was assisted in this work by Mrs. Hilda Ince (now deceased), an excellent artist. The developmental sketches of the Coat of Arms remain in the possession of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society.

Mr. Connell died on January 19th, 1973 at the age of 66.

Bellow is a Extract from the Royal Warrant

Know ye therefore that We of Our Pricely

Grace and Special Favour have granted

and assigned and by these Presents do grant

and assign the following Armorial Ensigns for

Our Island of Barbados that is to say:-

For Arms: Or a Bearded Fig Tree eradicated

in Chief two Red Pride of Barbados Flowers

proper. And for the Crest; On a Wreath Or

and Gules A dexter Cubit Arm of a

Barbadian erect proper the hand of grasping

two Sugar Canes in saltire proper. And

for the supporters: On the dexter side a

Dolphin and on the sinister side a Pelican

proper, together with the Motto "Pride and

Industry", as the same are in the painting

hereunto annexed more plainly depicted

the whole to be borne and used for

our Island of Barbados - on Seals or

Otherwise according to the Laws of Arms.

Manjack Mineing In Barbados

2010-10-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

Mining Manjack

The story of Manjack for me takes me back to my grandmothers stories about my Great Grandfather who was one of Barbados's first photographers.
He had photographed the Mines and so this was one of the many stories that my grandmother shred with me in the many happy hours we spent together

Manjack is bitumen-rich coal found mostly in the Scotland District.
The substance known locally as manjack is better known as asphaltum or pitch glance. It differs from coal in being fusible by heat, and in being soluble in alcohol, turpentine.

This thick black substance was known from the days of the early settlers, who used it like pitch to caulk boats. Later, in the days of boiling – houses on the plantations, it was mixed with bagase as fuel for furnaces to boil the tayches of syrup. In 1895 it was mined in large quantities and exported for use in the manufacture of paint, varnish, asphalt paving and early gramophone records.

Very large quantities of this substance occur in Trinidad and elsewhere, and consequently it is not likely that the Barbadian deposits will ever have much commercial value. It is the basis of black varnishes such as '' Brunswick Black,'' and excellent black varnishes and paints can easily be prepared from it by dissolving it in spirits of turpentine, and adding to the solution a small quantity of linseed oil to reduce its brittleness when dried. It might be used with considerable advantage for making gas, but on account of its fusibility special arrangements would be required in order to carbonize it.

The first manjack mines were opened in January, 1896 on the College Estate. There were also mines at Spring Vale and Bruce Vale in St. Andrew. About thirty-five men and boys and ten women were employed in these mines: the owner was R.H. Emtage. It is surmised that manjack deposits extend under the coral in all parts of the island.

Manjack was available in three grades, ranging in price from $15 to $25 per 2,000 pounds. During the First World War some of it was used as a fuel for trains. Synthetic compounds eventually replaced manjack, hence its decline; the mining of manjack stopped in 1920

Barbados and Island Like No Other... The Bajan Tour Girl 1st film project

2010-10-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, tonight's blog is a little different :o)

I just wanted to share the first in a series of videos that we at Glory Tours will be producing to promote our wonderful Island Barbados.

I hope that you enjoy it :o)

Whaling in Barbados

2010-10-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I found a new book in the book store. It was new to me but it was published in 1910

One of the pictures and stories that caught my eye was about Whaling Barbados. Now let me say right off the bat that I am grateful that this is no longer taking place as I am strongly against it

Under British rule, Bridgetown became a busy port and Barbados a regular stop on the routes of many cargo, passenger, and whale ships. At the peak of the shipping industry, several ships were arriving at and departing from Bridgetown every day. Although the whaling vessels’ purpose in going to Barbados was to replenish supplies and recruit crew members, and was not specifically to look for whales, humpbacks are described by the ships’ record keepers as “plentiful,” just outside Bridgetown Harbor. Thus whales were often taken in Barbados waters. There is even a record of a bull humpback whale being taken in Carlisle Bay

Yankee whalers were present in the area as early as 1765, and a shore whaling industry developed in 1867, relying heavily on Yankee influences. The success of the shore whaling industry peaked around the turn of the 20th century with catches as high as 36 whales per year, but the population crashed shortly after that, and the industry shut down in 1920.

There is no historical or current record of dolphin exploitation, although several different species are present in the area. There is no reliable evidence than manatees were ever present in the area, due mainly to the island’s outlying position from the arc of southeast Caribbean islands.

There is archaeological evidence of prehistoric sperm whale and dolphin presence in Barbados, but none of humpback whales. Humpbacks are mentioned in the earliest accounts of whaling around the island, however, showing that a population existed prior to the beginning of human exploitation. Like any marine species, a humpback remains have to be deposited on shore in order for them to be easily accessible to archaeologists. Thus the lack of archaeological records for humpbacks is most likely the result of a low stranding rate.
Humpback whales migrate to the Caribbean in the late winter and spring months from their northern feeding grounds. They spend their time in the Caribbean breeding and calving.

Humpbacks reproduce at a low rate, with females giving birth to only one calf at a time and with an inter-birth interval of 2 years, on average. They also exhibit a strong mother-calf bond, something which was easy for whalers to exploit. If a humpback calf is struck or injured, its mother will stay with it as long as it is alive. Likewise, the calf will not abandon a wounded mother. This means that, in most cases, when either member of a mother-calf pair was attacked, usually both were killed. Species exhibiting this trait are more susceptible to hunting pressures than others for this reason.
Sperm whales, like humpbacks, have low fecundity, with females not reaching sexual maturity until age nine, and with a gestation period of 14-16 months. Calves are born singly. Sperm whales also exhibit a strong mother-calf bond, such that the pair will stay close together even if one is struck by whalers. Thus, like humpbacks, when one member of a sperm whale mother-calf pair is killed, the other is usually killed also. The combined result of these characteristics is a low rate of recovery from hunting pressures, like humpbacks.

Unlike whales and dolphins, there is no evidence that manatees ever inhabited Barbados.

The first record of a whale being taken in Barbados by a shore-based whaler is from 1813, and the whale is described as a “Grampus,” more commonly known as Risso’s Dolphin Based on its dimensions, however, Mitchell and Reeves (1983) believe it to be a young humpback. Regardless, however, this date marks the beginning of shore whaling in Barbados, although a commercial whaling industry did not begin operation until 1867
Barbados’ shore whaling industry was started by former crew members of Yankee whaling ships. Ever since 1765, when the first New England whaling ships visited the West Indies and the Caribbean, whalers would recruit Barbadians to join their crews when they stopped at Bridgetown. These Yankee Whalers frequented Barbados, which was the central supply port to ships in the West Indies in the 18th and 19th centuries. Death and desertion of crew members was not uncommon on whaling ships, so there was often a need to recruit locals when the ships stopped for supplies. Some of these Barbadians who had worked on whaling ships returned home after the voyages, having gained the necessary skills to hunt whales, and started their own operations.

There were three shore whaling stations in Barbados. The first, which operated from 1867 to 1920, was in Speightstown. The second was also in Speightstown, located immediately next to the first. The third was in Holetown and began operation in 1869

Barbadian shore whaling, unlike Yankee ship-based whaling, was largely opportunistic. The shore whalers set out to capture a whale only after it had been spotted from shore first, as opposed to the American whaling ships, which sailed all over the world in search of whales. When a whale was spotted, the whaling crew would set out in boats to pursue it. The boats used were 7.62 to 9.14 m (25 to 30 ft.) long, rigged with sails as well as oars, and each had a crew of 14. The oars were used for maximum steering and control when pursuing a whale, and the sails at other times. They would use a harpoon to capture the whale and an explosive lance, known as the bomb lance, to kill it. They would then jump into the water and sew its mouth shut, to prevent it from filling with water and sinking. Rather than hauling it aboard a ship at this point, they would drag it ashore, alongside the Speightstown jetty in Speightstown or on the beach in Holetown, for flensing. The whale would be flensed on the beach and the blubber would then be boiled in copper kettles, of the same design as those used to boil sugar cane juice in the production of sugar. Indeed, the boilers used by the Jordan whaling station in Speightstown were sold to a sugar factory after the station closed.

There was often significant competition between the stations in Speightstown over whales. Because the stations were next to each other, they both saw whales at essentially the same time and would race to be the first one to strike it. In 1904, the government passed the Fisheries Regulation Act, updating all of Barbados’ fishing regulations and consolidating them into a single bill This included laws governing competition between whaling boats from different operations, probably as a response to quarrels between the two stations. These laws include provisions that establish ownership of a whale by the first boat that strikes it and the ownership of a mother by a boat that strikes her calf, and vice versa. They even detail how profits and expenses are to be split if two boats happen to strike the same whale.

The fact that there were two whaling stations in one place, scouting and competing for the same whales, probably means that a relatively high percentage of the whales that passed Speightstown during the years of the stations’ operation were taken. If a whale were passing along the west coast, heading south, the chances of it making it past the two stations and Speightstown and another at Holetown, 7 km south (Figure 1), would have been slim. This intensity of whaling is probably the most important contributor to the vast reduction in humpback whale populations passing along Barbados’ west coast.

The blubber oil and spermaceti brought in by the whaling industry was in high demand for a number of uses. Blubber oil was yielded by both sperm whales and humpbacks, but spermaceti was only found in sperm whales, and indeed, the name “sperm whale” is shortened from its earlier name, “spermaceti whale.” Spermaceti was thus named because of the resemblance it bears to semen, its roots being sperma, Latin for sperm, and ceti, Latin for whale. The primary use of the blubber oil and spermaceti was as lamp fuel. Spermaceti was also used to make candles. Other uses included high-pressure lubricant, an ingredient in hydraulic fluid, ink, detergent, cosmetics, as a tanning agent for leather, and a degreaser for wool. By the time the whaling industry was in decline, several substitutes for whale oil had been developed, the most popular of which were petroleum products and jojoba oil

Once the blubber had been boiled down, the oil was put in barrels, it was exported to England and Canada. The bones were ground and used to make fertilizer. The meat was sold locally for consumption, and was reportedly very nourishing and preferred to beef, and was “used as a food by the African decendants” The baleen plates were used to make brooms. In these different ways, the entire whale carcass was used, although the main generator of profit for the whaling operation was the oil.

The boats used in Barbados are different from those used anywhere else in the southeastern Caribbean. Trinidad used pirogues, small, wooden fishing boats, which were oar-powered. These had a crew of six rowers and one harpooner in the bow. Bequia used 7.62-7.92 m (25-26 ft.) open sailing boats, modeled after those built in Nantucket. These had a crew of six, including the harpooner and the captain. The boats in Grenada were modern Norwegian whaling ships, which were steam-powered, unlike the oar-powered boats of the neighboring countries, cruised at a speed of 11 knots, and could tow up to five whales. They could be operated by a relatively small crew, as they did not need rowers. The large crew and medium size of the Barbadian boats makes them substantially different from any others in the area, demonstrating that the whaling industries of many neighboring southeast Caribbean countries had little contact with each other.

The whaling stations in Barbados are also different from those in other Caribbean countries. The Barbadian stations consisted of a shack in which whaling gear was stored. There were no permanent buildings. All of the operations of the whaling industry that took place on shore were carried out on the beach. Thus the Barbadian stations were the most primitive of the three types found in the southeastern Caribbean.

In Trinidad’s and Bequia’s whaling industries, there are reports of sharks attacking whale carcasses and eating the blubber. The economic losses due to sharks were significant enough that Trinidadian whaling stations employed men with axes to kill sharks and Bequia whalers would lance sharks from the whale boats while whales were being brought ashore. Although there are similar reports of sharks attacking whale carcasses in Barbados the Barbadian operations never employed anyone to kill the sharks. In fact, the whalers could reportedly walk through the water in the midst of the frenzied sharks and not be harmed.

There were wide fluctuations in oil production over the duration of the industry, however, the average annual production between 1889, the first year production rose about 100 barrels, and 1902, described as the last successful season, was 289 barrels per year.

The most common explanation for the end of the Barbadian whaling industry is related to the intensity of the whaling on the west coast. The argument is simply that the whale stock was depleted and did not recover. This is the explanation given by Earnest Greaves, the “last survivor” of the Speightstown whaling industry. He remembers 1902 to be the last really successful whaling season. Elmer Jordan agrees that whaling stopped because the whales were depleted.
Another explanation as to why fewer and fewer whales were returning to Barbados had to do with a structural change in the sugar industry. In the late 19th century, when shore whaling began, there were 200-300 sugarcane-grinding windmills and boiling houses around the island, one at each plantation. In the early 20th century, those windmills and boiling houses closed down as growers began sending their cane to factories to be processed. When boiling houses were numerous, many people claimed that the sweet smell of cane juice could be smelled 20 miles out at sea. They believed that this smell brought the whales close to shore, and that once the factories were built, the smell was no longer strong enough to attract the whales, which is why they stopped coming. This explanation is unlikely, due to the fact that both toothed and baleen whales, such as the sperm and the humpback, respectively, have an underdeveloped and probably nonfunctional sense of smell.
Marine mammals are not a common sight in the waters around Barbados. This is evidenced by the fact that there are no dolphin and whale watching operations for tourists, despite the fact that tourism is the largest contributor to the national economy Many Barbadians are not aware that there are whales and dolphins in their waters. According to reports from fishers, however, dolphins and whales, mostly bottlenose and humpback, are present. The bottlenose dolphins are present year-round, but do not often get closer to shore than a few miles. The humpbacks go close to land, sometimes as close as 200 or 300 m, but are a seasonal presence, with most of them passing Barbados from March through May. There are also occasional reports from fishers of sightings of other species, such as sperm whales, killer whales, and pygmy sperm whales. There are literature records for Cuvier’s beaked whale, short-finned pilot whale, bottlenose dolphin, spotted dolphin, Stenella spp., sperm whales, humpback whales, bowhead whales, Risso’s dolphin, and common dolphin in Barbados.

On a personal note, I have many fond memories of seeing whales off the East Coast of Barbados as a child, These wonderful and majestic creatures are always wonderful to see and there is much excitement surrounding their sighting :)

While I personally was unable to see any of the reported sightings this year I was still delighted to hear that there were many many sightings this year, much more than more recent years. Hopefully these wonderful creatures can once again find the peace that they once found here way before men hunted them.

Barbados, Tramway, Water, Street Lighting and Telephone

2010-09-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Tramway

In an earlier blog I wrote about the wonderful Barbados Railway that was. As you may have read it was the scenery that was in fact wonderful but the running of the railway itself was very poor.

Following on the heels of the Railway The Barbados Tramway Company went into operation on Monday February 9th 1885 when the route from Bridgetown to Hastings Rocks was opened. on March the 1st an additional route to Fontabelle was opened. The company was later sold to American interest who had announced plans to extend the tramway company as far North as St James. Sadly these plans never materialized and the Tramway was eventually closed in 1925. The tramway gave way to more modern transportation such as the omnibuses.

Water

In 1857 the Barbados Water Company was formed and was granted a Government Subsidy of

£5000 to supply Bridgetown with a half million gallons of water daily. Later that same year an Act was passed that gave the government the right to purchase the company in 20 years. The first supply of water for the water works came from springs at Newcastle St John. In 1860 the laying of pipework began and in 1861 tap water was introduced into Bridgetown. A fountain was later built in Bridgetown to celebrate this event and has been written about in an earlier blog.

Street Lighting

Prior to 1976 the only places that enjoyed street lighting in Bridgetown were the Wharf, Peirhead and the new Bridge. These were light with kerosene lamps but elsewhere would be left in darkness except for the light provided from taverns and homes within the town.

Inn 1876 The Barbados Gas Company was established with the task of lighting Bridgetown by the use of coal gas. For this they were to be paid $30 per lamp. The progress was sadly slow and within a few years modernization won out and in 1891 a meeting was held to discuss the use of electrical lighting. The first demonstration did not take place until 1896. It took a further 15 years for it to be introduced into Bridgetown with the introduction of the Barbados Light & Power Company in 1910.

The Telephone

The telephone was introduced into Barbados in 1882 this was accidentally just 6 years after the invention of the telephone and only 3 years after its introduction to London and Paris.

Bridgetown Part 5 Buildings and Monuments

2010-09-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

The Parliament Buildings

In 1668 the State House where the Barbados Legislature met was destroyed by fire and the convening of the "house" was shifted to a tavern. As one may well imagine many saw it as quite indecent for the legislature to convene the house in a tavern. Along with the concern of having the legislature meet in a tavern there was the concern of properly housing public records. For decades the public records of Barbados had been poorly stored in government offices.

The first State house to be erected after this time was within the precincts of James Fort but this soon had to be given over to be a prison as there was a greater and more pressing need in this area, the building of itself was erected in 1701. It was not until well over a century later that the Parliament Buildings would be erected. In 1871 The West Building was completed followed by the East building in 1874.
There was a slight set back in 1884 when the tower that had been built on the east building to accommodate the clock and a peal of bells began to sink. The Tower was then constructed on the west building and the clock relocated. The Clock details are made of copper and is 7 feet in diameter. The pendulum is 14 feet long and the bell weighs 20 hundred weight. The clock is constructed in a manner that it can continue going while being wound and is designed to run for 8 days.

The stained glass windows in the east building depict British Sovereigns from James I to Queen Victoria and include Oliver Cromwell. These were made by the London Firm Messers Clayton and Bell. The windows of the Senate Chamber depict the armorial bearings of past Presidents of Council and Speakers of the Assembly. On the main stairway of the West building there were to stained glass windows that bore the biblical quotation "Render to Cesar the things that are Cesar's". These were originally situated in the East Building appropriately over the customs department which was originally housed there.

It is also notable to mention that the house of Assembly in Barbados was started in 1639 and is in fact the third oldest in the world. It was started by Governor Hawley. Hawley himself was known the scheming and relentless and later became known as one of the most notorious figures in Barbados History. He was the successor of Governor Tufton who had in fact done much good for the Island, despite this Hawley had him arrested and tried on trumped up charges. Sadly Tufton was later executed for treason due to Hawleys charges. It was after the First Earl of Carlisle died that the Second Earl of Carlisle realizing the blight that Hawley was tried to remove him and the frequently absent Governor Hawley then tried to win favour with Barbadian land owners by starting the House of Assembly. In 1840 after giving much opposition he was removed as Governor of Barbados.

The Mutual Building

The Mutual Building in lower Broad Street is a magnificent Victorian that boasts 3 stories was built between 1894 and 1895. The original name was The Barbados Insurance Society Building. Large domes and a second story veranda that surrounds the entire building are some of the buildings’ characteristics.
This wonderful old structure once housed The Mutual Bank of the Caribbean. It was sold to the Bank of Butterfield in December 2003 and is still located within The Mutual Building.

The Nelson Statue

You may find the story of Admiral Nelson and the monument here http://abajantourgirlexploringbarbados.blogspot.com/2010/08/barbados-military-history-part-3.html

The Fountain

Piped water was introduced into Barbados in 1861 and it recommended that to celebrate this occasion. it was not until In the April of 1865 a fountain was completed. It weights 1 and 3/4 tons and requires 2,000 gallons of water to run from 8 o'clock in the morning to dusk.

The Montefiore Fountain

The Montrfiore Fountain which was a Drinking Fountain was presented to Bridgetown in 1864 by H John Montefiore in memory of his father. On each side is a marble allegorical figure representing fortitude, temperance, patience and justice: with the following inscriptions: "Look to the end; Be sober minded: To bear is to conquer; Do wrong to no one. It was originally located in Beackwith Place but is now located in Coleridge Street.

The Cenotaph

The Cenotaph is located in what was once the "Fountain Garden" and now "National Hero's Square". It was erected in 1925 in memory of those who died in the First World War and in 1953 the names of those who died in the Second World War were also added.

Bridgetown Part 4 Early Hotels and their owners

2010-09-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Today Barbados number one source of foreign income is the tourism industry. It is known across the world as a ideal holiday spot. Hotels can no longer be found in Bridgetown today but spread up and down the Islands South and West Coast. The accommodation and hotels of today are much different to their predecessors that once existed in Bridgetown.

One of the most talked about hotels of its time in Barbados was owned by Rachel Lauder. Rachel was the daughter of an African Slave and Lauder a Scotsman who had left England in disgrace. Lauder was the Latin teacher and Harrison's College. As his daughter Rachel grew into maturity her physical charms attracted her father and that when she refused her fathers advances he handed over to the whipper who was usually employed to punish unruly slaves. Rumor has it that Rachel was saved by the intervention of Mr Thomas Pringle an officer of the Royal Navy who then purchased her freedom at a high price. Rachel then took on the name of her protector. the relationship is said to have ended when Rachel trying to hold on to Pringels affections presented a child to Pringle on one of his visits claiming that the child was their child together. Her plan was spoiled when the child's mother came forward and demanded its return. Pringle saw the light and left Rachel forever.

Rachel quickly found another protector and adopted his name in 1780 Rachel Pringle Polgreen opened a hotel in Canary Street. The American Revolutionary War being in full swing and France fighting on the side of the United States meant that there was considerable military and naval presence in the Caribbean. In 1786 Prince William Henry Duke of Clarence and Later King William visited Barbados while serving as a naval captain. The Price took rooms at Rachel's hotel and it is said that one night after wining and dining with a party of officers that the prince and his companions proceeded to wreck the establishment. They even knocked Rachel who was heavy set and well endowed off her chair. Rachel took it all quiet well and gave only a mild protest but the next day before the Price sailed she presented him a bill for 700 sterling which he paid without question. Rachel took the money and maid grand repairs to the hotel and renamed it the Royal Naval Hotel in honour of her Royal guest.

On Rachel's death the hotel passed into the hands of Nancy Clarke. Nancy was however a person of very different character from her predecessor. Purely out of jealousy she once destroyed the beauty of an attractive rival by throwing nitric acid in her face. the tragic accident inspired a song
"If you go to Nancy Clarke,
She will take you in the dark
When she get you in the dark
She will give you aqua forits (Acid)"

Nancy's principal rival in business at the time would have been Betsy (or Susy) Austin another free coloured woman. Betsy was a massively built woman who had a taste for alcoholic beverages and a colourful vocabulary. She nevertheless was said to have kept an orderly house. She sold a variety of jellies and drip stones (cut from limestone and used for filtering water) which she sold for 50% above their value. It is said that when questioned about her prices that her disposition would quickly change and one wold then become acquainted with her colourful vocabulary.

There were many other hoteliers that followed some of them being: Sabrina Bade, Betsy Austin, Hannah Lewis, Hannah Massiah, Rebbecca Phillips, Caroline Lee, Mrs Roach, Miss McAlpine & Mrs Forte.

It was recorded by a visiting Dr. Dr Pinkard that the female slaved who formed the domestic staff at these establishments were permitted to engage in prostitution as this offered their only hope of raising money to purchase manumission. "freedom".

Bridgetown Part 3

2010-09-23T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Bridges of Bridgetown

The first bridge of Bridgetown was built by the first inhabitants of the Island. the Amerindian bridge was in fact as I have already mentions responsible for the name of the town as it was the town with the bridge. It was a primitive bridge and was replaced in 1628.

Between 1628 & 1675 There was only one bridge and in that time it was destroyed by fire and hurricane several times and then rebuilt. In 1681 a second bridge was erected because of the great inconvenience cause when there damage done to the other bridge. The West bridge was located roughly were the Indian or swing bridge was later located and The East bridge was located roughly where the Duncan O'Neal bridge now stands.

The West bridge was carried away by floods in 1700 and in 1746 a single span stone bridge was erected on completion in 1751. Unfortunately as soon as the wooden structures were removed the bridge collapsed blocking the channel. Those who built the bridge were prosecuted and a wooden bridge for pedestrians was then erected.

The East bridge by this time was was showing signs of age and a new east bridge was built in 1776. Then in 1780 a hurricane destroyed the west bridge and severely damaged the East bridge. the West bridge was replaced and the East bridge repaired. Then disaster struck again on November the 8th 1795 Barbados experienced the worse flooding it had ever faced. Thunderstorms and heavy rain fell unceasingly for almost 48 hours. A great mass of water meet the spring tide, flooding the town to a depth of 5 feet in several areas and demolishing both bridges. Between that time and 1865 the cycle of damage and rebuilding continued until in 1865 after the fire of 1860 and the redevelopment of Trafalgar square. At this time a swing bridge was built to allow fairly large ships to come into the inner basin. The building of the bridge was said to have been the greatest mismanagement and waste age of public funds in 19th century.

Both bridges were damaged in the hurricane on 1898. The swing bridge was closed and reopened in 1900 by Governor Chamberlains wife and so then named the Chamberlain bridge. The West bridge then called the Victoria bridge was replaced by an Iron bridge in 1901-02 and the present structure that now stands in its place was built in 1967 and is named after Dr. Charles Duncan O'Neal "Father of the Democratic Movement"

A arch was erected on the Southern end of the Chamberlin bridge to celebrate the Islands 21st anniversary of Independence. A lift bridge has now replaced the bridge but like its predecessor funds were greatly wasted. It was hoped that the new bridge would once again allow ships to enter the inner basin as the swing bridge had before it ceased working. Unfortunately it was badly installed and only one side of the bridge
works.

Fires of Bridgetown

The first major conflaration occured in 1659 and more than 200 homes and storehouses were destroyed. following that fore a statue was was enacted with a number or regulations designed to reduce the risk of fire in the capital. Houses were not to be thatched and if this was done the persons commiting the offence would be fined 5,000 pounds of sugar. The statue was later proven ineffective and the second major fire broke out in 1688 fires broke out and spead to Magazine lane. This is where armour was stored and a building containing 170 barrels of gunpowder caught fire causeing a explosion that spead the destruction over a greater part of the town. More than 800 houses were destroyed and 80% of Bridgetown was totally destroyed and valuable public records were lost. Another statue was was quickley inacted and this one stipulated what materials were to be used in the construction of the new buildings. the lessons of the past had not been learned and in 1673 another fire broke out. this time only 40 houses were destroyed. The next fire was more than 80 years later it started in a storehouse containing a shipment of cotton and spread to engulfed James Fort and in the end 160 houses were destroyed. Two years later 90 houses were consumed by yet another fire.

In 1766 a gentleman fell asleep left a candel burning soon the house was on fire and with the aid of a strong northeasterly breeze the fire quickley spread. Over 26 arces and 1,140 buildings were destroyed and the land left smoldering

Bridgetowns next big fire occured in 1821 followed by one in 1826. The fire that followed these two in 1845 that started in Tudor street destoyed 10 ares of land and the buildings on them this became known as the "Burt Distict". In 1853 the area of Roebuck street burt and 97 buildings were destroyed this became known as the "New Burt District" and the former the "Old Burt District". The next fire major fire in Bridgetown was not reported until 1910

Bridgetown Part 2

2010-09-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

Bridgetown's Former Swamp and the Constitution River were constantly a putrid topic. The ground was somewhat lower within the land and the spring tide flowed over making the land become a kind of bog than not only produces a unholy sent but was said to cause many illnesses. As recent as 1908 there was a decree made a Public heath Act that prohibited people from disturbing the waters of the constitution river, for once the waters were stirred a stench so horrid arose that some might say would raise the dead from their graves. Finally after many years in 1962 the swamp was filled in and replaced with a canal.

The lower part of the Constitution is called the Careenage. The presence of this arm out into the sea was undoubtedly one of the principal factors that influenced settlers in electing Bridgetown as its chosen town. Its banks particularly those adjacent to the town were originally beach like and were dotted with loading places suitable for loading merchandise. It was named the Careenage because it was there years ago that the ships were careened on to a side to be repaired

At some early date stepping stones were placed along some part of the shore for the convenience of foot passengers. The waterfront here subsequently came to be called "the Stepping Stones" Later on in the mid 19th century when a wharf was built, it became known as "The Stepping Stones Wharf" . This is the area that is located adjacent to the Nelson statue.

The Bridgetown dry dock was built in 1887. The dock of itself was constructed between 1889and 1893. After the dock yard changed hands several times and being used during the second world war by the British navy to salvage and repair vessels the dock yard went into receivership and closed in 1985. The screw lifting dock in Barbados reportedly was the last of its kind in the world. The Screw Lifting Dock was a masterful piece of engineering. Measuring 240 feet long by 46 feet wide, it was capable of lifting 1,200 tons dead weight.

It is not generally known that the upper end of the Pierhead was originally a small Island known as "Little Island. It was first owned by a Dutchman but was later sold to a tenant for a certain sum of cotton.

Following a raid on the coat of Barbados by pirates in 1650 coastal areas of Barbados were Fortified and in 1656 Willoughby Fort was constructed. The construction was carried out by William Withington who was paid 80,000 pounds of sugar.

Nelson street contrary to popular belief was not named after Admiral nelson but after a resident in the neighbourhood. A will listing the name of the street was written 2 years before Admiral Nelson was born. Nelson street itself was a residential area since the 18th century.

James Fort one of the Islands oldest fortifications being built in 1650 was equipped with 20 pieces of ordinance. For many years after the fire of 1668 the Legislature used to meet in taverns however in 1699 the Government decided to have a building erected in the vicinity of James Fort as a meeting place. The building was receded in 1701 but was turned into a prison in 1704 because of the urgent need of one but prisoners often escaped as the building was not designed as a prison. One day in 1714 every prisoner but one escaped. It was not until 1729 that a more secure prison was built.

In upper Broad Street approximately on what is now Chamberlain Place there stood one of Bridgetown's most controversial institutions- the Common Cage. The Cage was established as a place of minor offenders. The cage was introduced by Governor Bell but was abolished after Belles departure. A new cage was built in 1654 and in 1688 there was an act passed that when runaway slaves were captured they were to be detained in the Common Cage. The Cage was usually equipped with a pillory and whipping post. After many appeals to remove the cage it was finally moved in 1818 to pierhead and was finally abolished in 1838

Bridgetown Part 1

2010-09-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

I have already mentioned Bridgetown and its origins in an earlier blog but as the capital of Barbados it is only fitting that I post at least one blog dedicated to this city that dates back to over 380 years

For it was on the 5th of July 1628 that 64 settlers headed by Charles Wolverstone arrived. The location of Bridgetown was one of convenience as this was found to be the most suitable place for a port. Its swampy lands however made it a place many considered ill for ones health by many visitors. in spite of these opinions building after building was erected and the town spread itself out on the land around it.

The name Bridgetown of coarse came from what came to be known as the "Indian Bridge:" this was a bridge that had been constructed by the early inhabitants of the island, the Amerindians. In very early deeds the town is referred to as "The Indian Bridge", "The Indian Bridgetown" or simply just "The Bridge".

Around 1660 the town came to be called "St Michaels Town" and also "Doncaster". The name Doncaster was after the Earl of Carlisle

The principle streets in Bridgetown were originally laid out by John Swan and in keeping with tradition Swan street was named after him. For those of you who know Swan Street today you will know Swan Street is full of local color. The street runs parallel to Broad Street which is the main street (see its description bellow)
The streets are now made of brick and lined with large plant pots.
The street is also line the streets and can be often heard with shouting the sales pitches such as "Oranges two for one get your oranges 2 for one" Or T-Shirts sold here every colour, buy 2 and get one free". Fruit, clothes, shoes, perfumes, CD's & DVD's its all there and that is just on the street. The stores of themselves Cary many of the same items and if you take your time visiting each store you can save yourself a few bucks.

Broad Street was original named Broad Street as it was the broadest street in the town. In fact it still is the broadest street in Bridgetown. The street was once part of Cheapside because it was part of the Market and later in the 17th century referred to as "The Exchange Street" because the merchants exchange was there.

Broad Street is also the main street which passes right through the centre of the city. It passes by The Parliament buildings and is the definite centre of the capital's shopping area.

Today Broad Street is where you will not only find the island's largest department stores, shopping malls and duty free shops but also banks and business offices. This is where you will do most of your duty free shopping in Barbados
In the early years the streets in town were ill kept and in 1656 legislature passed and act where persons not keeping the space in front of their property clean could be fined 100 pounds of sugar for each day of noncompliance.

In 1657 many of the streets that had before gone unnamed were finally given names. Many of these streets have since disappeared often due to fire but there are a few left.

In 1654 Bridgetown's population was roughly 2,000 and it contained more than 100 drinking houses. This meant the ration was one drinking house to 20 citizens. This was seen to constitute a moral or social danger and so steps were taken to suppress all unlicensed drinking houses and to confiscate licences held by persons considered unfit to hold them. Thomas Walduck who lived in Barbados in the earlier 18th century was probably not far off from the truth when he jokingly asserted that the first institution the English established in a new colony was a drinking house. The Spaniards and Church and the Dutch a fort.

The Bridgetown settlers erected a Church in 1630 It was a small wooden building and could accomodate no more than 100 persons In 1660 this building was found inadequate and in 1665 a larger one that was built of stone was completed. By the 19th century the population of Bridgetown had risen to 20,000 and the first Bishop of Barbados Bishop Coleridge recognized the need for an additional church in the town. in 1827 the St Marys Church was completed.first Bishop

Lakes Folly
At the rear of St Marys church lies the district of Lakes Folly. On the5th of March 1773 a gang called the "True Blue Gang" 12 armed men in number marched forth from this area and went on a rampage through town assaulting everyone they met. They killed two people and seriously wounded a third.seriously
On the night before their escapade they gathered together and formed an association and took an oath to stand by one another to death. To seal this unholy bond they punctured their arms with a shoemaker awl letting 3 drops of blood each fall into a bowl of gun powder, brimstone and rum. they then each drank dome of this evil ridden potion
The Town Constable was given a special warrant and a posse went after the gang in their lair. One was shot and badley injured while the other 11 were arrested and sent to trial.

Barbados Military History Part 10 operation "Urgent Fury" Rescue Mission to Grenada

2010-09-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

Grenada was lead to Independence from the United Kingdom by Sir Eric Gairy in 1974. His term in office coincided with much civil strife. The political environment was highly charged and though Gairy claimed victory in the 1976 election the opposition did not accept the results as legitimate. In the late 1970's a new movement called the New Jewel Movement began planning to overthrow the government and began military training outside of Grenada. On March 12 1979 while Gairy was out of the country Maurice Bishop and his deputy was Bernard Conrad launched an armed revolution and overthrew the government, establishing the People's Revolutionary Government.

Soon after seizing power they established diplomatic relations with Libya and Cuba and an assortment of Communist Eastern European nations.

Grenada began construction of a 10,000 foot international airport with the help of Cuba. There was speculation that this airfield could be used to land military fighters and transports, threatening South America and the southern United States. There was also worry about the large number of weapons flowing into Grenada. One shipment in 1979 contained 3400 rifles and 3 million rounds of ammunition. In 1983 Maurice Bishop began to realize Cuba and the other Communist countries were going to use and had in fact began to use Grenada as a launching pad to subvert the rest of the Caribbean Islands. His deputy realizing that he was wavering had him placed under house arrest.

On hearing this a crowd marched to Bishops house had him released and took him into the town to speak to the people. Coard seeing this sent some armoured cars to disperse the crowds and dispose of Bishop. Bishop was killed and many of his supporters slaughtered.

A curfew was imposed and the Grenadines not knowing what was going on feared for their lives.Meanwhile on the 21st of October 1983 there was a meeting of the OECS Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. the meeting was held in Barbados and the decision was taken to ask the United States of America to take military action. it was also agreed that Caribbean forces would accompany the Americans. These Forces included the Barbados Defence Force

President Regan agreed and the 7th fleet was diverted from the Atlantic to take action. Early in the morning of the 25th of October 198 the attack on Grenada was launched from Barbados. History repeated itself as Barbados was always the launching pad for attacks on other islands. With such a massive force the assault was over in a few days, much to the relief of the Grenadians. A great threat was removed from the Caribbean and Grenada returned to a democratic government.

October 25 is a national holiday in Grenada, called Thanksgiving Day, to commemorate this event. Additionally, on 29 May 2009, the Point Salines International Airport was officially renamed in honour of the slain revolutionary leader Maurice Bishop by the Government of Grenada

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Barbados Military History Part 9 The Barbados Defence Force, The Barbados Coat Guard and the Barbados Regiment

2010-09-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

In 1947 the Governor of Barbados called for a Regiment be formed in Barbados this task was given to Lt. Colonel J. O. Connell who became the commanding officer. The regiment grew to number 250 and in 1974 the first female officer was added.

On the 15th of August 1979 the Barbados Defence Force was formed and the officers of the Barbados Regiment were given the option of joining full time or remaining on the reserve. Many of them took up the offer while some of the Regiment chose to remain the reserve element of the Regular Force. There were also several officers who ad once served with the British forces and were now retired who joined the Barbados Defence Force and their experience was invaluable.

The first ceremonial parades that the Barbados Defence Force took part in were the Remembrance Day and Independence day parades in 1979 and they have continued to do so to this day.

In October 198 the Barbados Defence Force was part of the U.S military rescue mission to Grenada and they have been involved with disaster relief throughout the Caribbean.

Today they can be seen exercising around the Garrison Savannah, providing security patrols around the Island and patrolling the beaches at night. They are also the only people who are allowed to wear camouflage in the island. This was made law by Tom Addams a former Prime Minister of Barbados who thought it best to do this in hopes that Barbados would never have camouflage wearing rebels as are seen in such places as Columbia.

In 1977 the original Coast Guard Base was moved from Oistins to Willoughby Fort in Bridgetown. The Coast guard is an integral part of the Barbados Defence Force. They too have been involved with disaster relief in many islands and supplied help to flood victims in Barbados on many occasions.

The Coast Guard has been fully engaged in patrolling the maritime borders in search and rescue operations as well as running drug patrols. the work closely with the US Coast Guard to help prevent the trafficking of drugs.

The base at Willoughby Fort proved vulnerable to high seas and so a new more protected base has been built next to the Barbados Flour Mill to the North of Bridgetown.

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Barbados Military History Part 8 World War 2 Part 3

2010-09-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

This particular story of the 2nd World War is one that I have been told about on numerous occasions from numerous people.

It was first recounted to me by my Grandmother who remembers hearing the explosions from her home just outside of Bridgetown.

The second time it was recounted was by a elderly gentleman who at that time was a young boy. I seem to remember He said he was about 12 at the time.

According to him he was in Bat Street courting a girl. (he is usually courting a girl in many of his stories) Suddenly he heard a loud explosion and took off running. When I asked him what about the girl he replied "I aint had no time for her then, I was out of there" According to His story his father worked in a pub in Bridgetown and the German sailors would frequent the bar and give goods that where hard to come by in war times to his father who would then bring these items home. He said it was in the pub the sailors were told that there was an ammunition ship in the Careenage and so they then made plans to torpedo and destroy the ship and the ammunition. Had this as they planed it would have destroyed most of Bridgetown. This was however not to be as the ammunition ship left 1 day early.

Bellow is what the History Books teach us about the event

A U-Boat Attacks Carlisle Bay

Soon after the U-Boat campaign got underway in the Caribbean in early August three fast motor torpedo boats (miscalled submarine chasers) arrived in Barbados. These vessels were often seen far out in Carlisle Bay, seemingly on patrol, most people were under the impression that that they had been sent to protect the port from U-Boat intrusion. This belief was not correct because though there were patrols they were done nightly and by a local speed-boat called the "Hazel Y" It was armed by a machine gun and double depth charges and maned by a volunteer crew.

In the first week of September the Royal navy came and laid down anti torpedo nets which extended North West from needham's point for 1.5 miles long to provide safe anchorage for ships inside of Carlisle Bay.

In the second week of September there were two ships in the protected zone. one of them a Norwegian ship the Betancuria and the second a Canadian ship the Cornwallis who had completed her business in Barbados and was awaiting escourt to Trinidad.

Suddenly on September the 11th shortly after 4:30pm explosions rang out across Carlisle Bay with the sound of them travelling inland driveing fear into the hearts of many Barbadians. The target was the Norwegian ship but after several torpedo's were launched and failed to penetrate the torpedo nets the U-boat which remained under water broke off its attack.

Ten minutes later a tremendous blast rang out to the south of the bay. This time the Cornwallis was the target and this time the nets gave way to the oncoming weapons of destruction. a survey of the damage sustained by the Cornwallis reported that a hole some 44 feet long and 14 feet deep had been blown in her side and that considerable internal damage was also done. Sufficient repairs were made to enable her sea worthy. She then was escorted to Mobile Alabama where complete repairs were made. The Cornwallis was later sunk in 1944 off of Portland Main she was full of Sugar and molasses having just sailed from Barbados.

The U-Boat that attacked her in Carlisle Bay was identified as U-514 was attacked and sunk in 1943 in the bay of Biscayne.

During the attack in Barbados it is reported that Norwegian ship and the Canadian ship did fire at the U-boat but the sparkling waters in Carlisle Bay made it difficult to see the submarine. the people of Barbados were also quite flabbergasted to discover the three so called submarine chasers believed to have been sent to protect the bay were all in the dock.

This story is perhaps the one that is the most memorable to me. Perhaps it is because I have been told it so many times.

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Barbados Military History Part 8 World War 2 Part 2

2010-09-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

In 1942 the Axis of Powers particularly Germany and Italy were all aware that the Caribbean territories were heavily dependant upon imported food and with this in mind they decided to take advantage of this weak spot. They sent U boats to attack ships carrying both food and oil.

Prior to mid 1942 a shortage of escort vessels made it impossible for convoys to be formed in the Caribbean and the unprotected merchant ships continued suffering heavy losses. These attacks led to a food crisis to develop and famine threatened many places . Enemy propagandist fought to destroy morale in the area by radio broadcast giving details of sinking's and the hardships these were causing. In June 1942 the United States Navy began convoying ships in the Caribbean to ensure that ships carrying goods successfully arrived at their destinations. Barbados was supplied via Convoys that went to Trinidad.

The first survivors from a U-Boat strike arrived in Barbados on the 27th of February via a life boat being towed by a fishing boat. Their ship the Scottish Star had bee torpedoed 8 days earlier 650 miles east of Barbados. This was the first of many more instances that would bring survivors to Barbados. Between 15-21st of May more than 202 survivors came ashore at various places around the island. There were even occasions when smoke from burning ships could be seen from Barbados. A division of the St Johns Ambulance brigade was detailed for duty every week and on notification of arrival of survivors they would be dispatched to the location to provide first aid. Accommodation for the officers was then supplied by the YMCA.

The horrors of war at sea came home to many Barbadians when the S.S Traveller was long overdue in its arrival and so presumed lost. There were 28 Barbadians among her crew. In the Caribbean the U-Boats continued to inflict heavy losses on shipping including inter-island schooners. One particularly interesting incidents involved a inter island Schooner the "Mona Marie" the ship was en-route to Trinidad with empty oil drums when it was struck. most of the life boats were damaged and its crew including Captain Hassel were questioned by and English speaking the submarine officer. It seemed the submarine was running short of flour and coffee to which the Captain stated only enough for his crew. Captain Hassel was then released with his crew and reported the incident 2 days later when he reached the Grenadines. the Mona Marie of itself would not sink because of the buoyancy of the empty drums and was for a time considered a navigational hazard until it finally sank into the sea.

In 1942 President Rooservelt called for the utilization of the schooners in the Caribbean to transport cargo. The ships were pooled together with operations being controlled in Barbados. Merchandise would be assembled at each port but not sorted according to consignees. Schooners would be speedily loaded and as soon as one left it would be replaced with another. Under this arrangement a consignee might recieve his shipment in several installments but will minimal delay.

1942 also saw the issuing of an order dated 30th of January wich imposed a control on the disposal of tyres of motor vehicles and even bicycles. It now became illegal for anyone to dispose of tires without written authority from the Competent Authority.

Later in the same year came an order for controlled lighting As from March 23rd no persons were to drive, ride or conduct any vehicle in the parishes of St Michael or Christ Church between 6:30pm and 6:30am unless the upper halves of its headlights were obscured with black paint. It was also ordered that not more than one light should be displayed in any window and it should not exceed 25 candle power. This is one of the things I can remember my grandmother telling me about.

Great concern arose when France fell in June 1940 a pro German administration headed by Marshal Philippe Pertain was established in France. Shortly prior to this three powerful units of the French navy had sailed to the French West Indies. The cruiser "Jeanne d' Arc" to Guadeloupe and the aircraft carrier "Bearn" and another cruiser "Emily Bertin" to Martinique.

The Bearn was in mid-ocean travelling from Halifax, Nova Scotia with 100 American war planes when France fell. Quickly following this she received orders to change direction and head to Martinique to prevent Frances conquer from getting their hands on the aircraft. Unfortunately even from the Caribbean Islands the ships soon came under control of a Anti-British Admiral Georges Robert who was High Commissioner of all of Frances possessions in the Caribbean. He took his orders directly from Vichy, some believed from Berlin indirectly.

It is because of this pressence in the Caribbean that British colonies in the Caribbean took such precautions as lighting control and civil defence measures. One of the civil defence measures was the formation of the Barbados Volunteer Brigade. In response to the Governor's call nearly 2,000 men volunteer and were duly enrolled. The purpose of this body was to serve as an auxilary fire fighting service in collaboration with the regular fire brigade. Units of the brigade were soon formed all over the Island. In conjunction with the Volunteer Brigade The Emergency Medical Service was also formed to provide the transportation of severely wounded persons to the emergency and medical centers and hospitals. Some 19 First Aid post were also established on the Island. Most were located in St Michael and Christ Church with the exception of one in Speightstown. A list giving their locations was included in the official notice instructing the people what to do in case of an enemy attack.

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

Barbados Military History Part 8 World War 2 Part 1

2010-09-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

On the 23rd January 1934 Adolf Hitler. Leader of Germany's Nazi Party became the president of Germany and proclaimed himself "Fuhrer, leader of the German Reich"

He quickly made it clear that he intended to restore Germany's influence and prestige which had been shattered in World War 1.

Hitler continued to grow in strength with the support of most of Germany behind him he marched on Austria in 1938 wich agreed to unite with the German Reich.

Next Hitler claimed Czechoslovaki but neither Britan or France where prepared for war and lacked the forces that they would need. A meeting was held in Munich and the outcome was that Britan and France recognized Germany's claims to Czechoslovaki. This bought them 11 month to prepare for a conflict that seemed inevitable.

On the 1st of September 1939 Hitler launched an attack on Poland. Two days later in fulfilment of her guarantee to defend that country against foreign attackers Britan declared war on Germany.

Like other territories of the British empires Barbados already had a contingency plan.

Bellow is a list of several events that were recorded during the war

1.     In October 1939 one month after war was declared the Barbados Government gave the Imperial Government a free gift of £25,000 Following by £100,00 in June 1940 and then interest free loans of £110,000. there was also a personal appeal fund "Win the War" fund that raised over £43,000. A group of ladies called the Voluntary War Workers Association raised over £50,000. The ladies also provided thousands of knitted comforts for the Armed Forces as well as refugees and prisoners of war.

2       Measures were taken to control food prices, food distribution and imports and exports and to ensure local food production.
The Director of Agriculture along with the assistance of two committees was put in charge of ensuring the supply of food and the control of food prices. This was the first order of business in protection the people of Barbados. The Authority was given the power to decide what acreages should be planted in food crops and what those crops should be. Fortunately the officers in charge were well respected and the plantations gave them their full cooperation.

3.     Restrictions were placed on people travelling in and out of the island .  No one was allowed to leave or arrive except for Seawell airport (now Grantley Addams) or the Baggage Warehouse in Bridgetown now (The Coast Guard Station)

4.     On the 1st September 1939 2 officers and 45 ranks of the volunteer force were called out followed by an additional 3 officers and 45 additional men on the 4th of September

4.     Postal censorship was introduced

5.     On the 3rd of September 1939 an experimental broadcast station was introduced originally called the Barbados Radio Distribution Ltd. Later The Rediffusion Ltd and now StarCom Network inc. The radio was launched to enable the broadcast of daily review of events especially for those who could not afford a luxury radio. Loud speakers were also placed in Queens Park, Oistins, Holetown and Speightstown

6.   On the 5th of September the Legislative Council wrote the King declareing its loyalty and promise of its support with its utmost resolve of the colony. On the 6th of September the Government proclaimed the state of War also applied to Barbados

7.    On the 9th of September another proclamation was made declareing a large variety of materials and commodities as contraband of war.

8.     The first Practice Black out when no lights were to be displayed on the Island was on October the 12th. This was only a practice and took place from 9-9:30pm.

9.     In Jun 1940 every person of the age of 16+ who was not a British Subject was required to furnish the Commissioner of Police with a variety of personal particulars and a photo. and by August of the same year Hoteliers were also required to keep records of their lodgers

10.    In February 1941 the Government made and order for the conservation of wrapping paper. People were prohibited from wrapping bottles, jars, cans, furniture and books. The public were also encourage to reuse envelopes.

11.   Also in February 1941 an appeal was made in the British Press for Binoculars within six weeks an initiative led my Mr Harold Wright Barbados donated 81 binoculars

12.    In the latter part of 1944 some 3,605 Barbadian workers went to the USA where they were employed by the War Manpower Commission on agricultural and industrial work.

13.    In 1942 the rationing of petrol became necessary and a similar system was adopted as that of Britan. Class A Government, Foreign Consulars, Engineers, Overseer, Police, Volunteers, Doctors, and Public Utility. Class B Legislature, Judiciary, Inspectors of the poor, schools, roads and sanitation as well as Cable operators and essential business persons. Class C owners of motor bikes, agricultural lorries, public vehicles, vans, road rollers and taxis

14. Also in 1942 certain places were designated protected places:
The Cable Station (St Lawrence)
The Barbados Electric Supply Corporation (The Garrison)
The Barbados Gas Company (Bay Street)
The British Union Oil Company (Greaves End)
The Shell Installation (Spring Garden)
The Central Foundry Workshop and Dock (Pierhead Road)
The Baggage Warehouse (Pierhead Road)

15. In effort to save on fuel in April 1943 Daylight Savings Time was Introduced by Governor Bushe. This became known as Bushe time and was not popular with most people. This was only utilized in 1943 and 1944 when the order was rescinded.

16. In 1942 another blow came to Barbados when a ship named the "C.N.S Drake" was torpedoed 90 miles south of Bermuda . The ship was carrying a group of artisans forming the "Barbados Engineering Trade Unit" selected for employment by Britans War industries. Several of the men lost their lives and while some continued onto Britan some returned home to Barbados.

The realities of war first struck home in Barbados when a Dutch Liner "Simon Bolivar" was sunk in the English Channel. three of 11 passengers bound for Barbados lost their lives.

Two days after the declaration of was a veteran of the First World War Mr Harold Wright started a fund to assist with the expenses for the young men volunteering for service. By June of 1940 14 young men were assisted and in July they left Barbados to serve with the British Military. Sadly four members of the group did not survive.

In November 1941 12 men were recruited specifically for Errol Walton Barrow who became the first Prim Minister of Barbados in 1966. Sadly 6 of the members of the force did not emerge alive.

In August 1941 the Barbados Canadian Active Enlistment Fund was opened to enable passages to be paid for those volunteering for Canada's Armed Forces. The fist contingent left Barbados on the 16th of September and numbered 27 men. Two additional contingents left in October of the same year.

During the War Britan turned to USA to buy weapons and destroyers but by the end of 1940 Britan had run short of US currency and Prime Minister Winston Churchill began pressing President Roosevelt for more substantial aid. Roosevelt then came up with the idea that the USA would provide Britan with Destroyers if Britan would allow them to build naval bases in Britain's Caribbean Territories. An agreement was reached and 50 destroyers were supplied and the United States built bases in Antigua , Guyana, Jamacia, St Lucia and Trinidad. Barbados was not chosen as a base sight but Seawell airport was made available to the Americans to enable them to extend their zone of air coverage activities against enemy submarines. US Army engineers extended the runway from 3,000 to 5,000 feet and laid down a hard surface.

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Andromeda Botanical Gardens In Barbados

2010-09-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

Andromeda Botanic Gardens is a six acre tropical garden in the Parish of St Joseph, overlooking the scenic east coast of Barbados. Iris Bannochie founded the garden in 1954 on land owned by her family since 1740, and showed plants from Andromeda with the Barbados Horticultural Society many times at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London.

Andromeda was first open to the public during a fund raising event hosted by the Barbados Horticultural Society in the seventies. Andromeda was well received, and has remained open to the public by paid admission since then. Andromeda currently boast over six hundred different species of plants adapted to a range of tropical environments.

The name Andromeda is derived from the mythical Greek goddess who was chained to a rock.

The Andromeda Botanic Gardens Educational Program is run in co-ordination with the Department of Biological & Chemical Sciences of the University of the West Indies.

Mrs. Iris Bannochie, a local horticulturist. At her death, Mrs. Bannochie bequeathed Andromeda to the Barbados National Trust.

Notable in the gardens is the large talipot palm tree, one of the largest palms in the world.

At the centre of the upper garden, near a grotto-like lily pond is a majestic native banyan. When Queen Ingrid of Denmark visited the garden in 1971, she was served refreshments in a recently built gazebo overlooking the sea. There is a library, classroom, cafeteria and gift shop. In 1991, the palm garden contained over 60 different species of palm.

On a more personal note Iris Bannochie was in fact related to me as was known to be quite a unique person in many ways. She is buried in St Johns Parish Church Cemetery.

We at Glory Tours are happy to provide you with several tour options including the Andromeda Botanical Gardens and we would be delighted if you would join us in paying a visit to The Andromeda Botanical Gardens one day soon :o)

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

The Barbados Wildlife Reserve

2010-09-07T05:35:00.000-07:00

In the words of the Barbados Wildlife Reserve "Once you enter the gates of the Barbados Wildlife Reserve you are in the animal's world. Except for a few cages animals like the snakes, birds, iguanas and cayman the rest are left to travel as they please through the reserve.

No two visits to the reserve are ever the same lol except for yes the turtles are always mating. I have heard many visitors to Barbados say it was the highlight of their trip to watch the monkey swinging through the trees while they play. They are such precocious animals. I have seen them take piggy back rides on a tortoise, play catch with a live frog and tag with a fawn. They are truly an endless source of entertainment.

The Reserve is located in the parish of St Peter opposite Farley Hill National Park it comprises 4 acres of land some of which is planted with banana plants and other vegetable to feed the animals. The visitor section of the reserve lies in an enclosed area under a canopy of mahogany trees with winding red brick pathways beneath. If you look closely at the bricks, you can still see the stamps of the manufacturing companies. the bricks were brought to Barbados by ships, which used them as ballast. During the 17th and 18th centuries, these red bricks were used to construct boiler furnaces in Barbados sugar factories.

Canadian parasitologist Jean Baulu, and his wife Suzanne, moved to Barbados from Montreal and founded the Barbados Primate Research Centre in 1982. Baulu later opened Barbados Wildlife Reserve, in 1985 with seed money from the Canadian International Development Agency. All buildings at the reserve are constructed our of natural coral stone. The large wheel in front of the snack bar was acquired from a old sugar factory and was once used to drive rollers for crushing the sugar cane. The small concrete and iron wheels at the entrance were used by tractors when rubber was available (e.g during the war)

Opening hours for the Barbados Wildlife Reserve are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Entrance fees are US$12 per adult and half price for children under 12

For most the biggest attraction at the wildlife reserve is the Barbados Green Monkey, Green monkeys are the only species of monkey in Barbados. They are called "green" because their coats are brown and gray, with olive green highlights, which have a green sheen in the sunlight. Barbados green monkeys can grow to 2 feet tall. They live in troops of about 15 and have a life span of about 30 years.
The monkeys originally came from Senegal and Gambia, West Africa. Historians believe that they were brought to Barbados, on slave ships, as gifts for the early settlers about 350 years ago.

From as early as 1684 a bounty was temporarily imposed on green monkeys. In 1975, the population of monkeys skyrocketed to over 8,000, causing millions of dollars damage to fruit and vegetable crops. On some farms, crop destruction amounted to 40 per cent of the harvest.

The Barbados government reinstated a bounty of $5B for every tail brought into the Ministry of Agriculture. To rescue the monkeys, the primate center offered to pay a bounty of $25B for each monkey captured alive and unharmed in cage-traps provided by the centre.

Data from the Barbados Primate Research Centre and blood bank are used for genetic, immunologic, epidemiological and virology research and teaching.

The isolation of Barbadian monkeys from their African cousins has resulted in a disease-free population. (Barbados green monkeys do not carry the AIDS virus, which afflicts many of their species in Africa, for example. The former agricultural pests have saved human lives. Their kidney tissue culture was used to manufacture polio vaccines that have successfully controlled and prevented this once-frightening and crippling disease.

Other animals that can be found in the reserve include tortoises, mallards, peacocks, guinea foul, caiman, iguana, rabbits and a sizable collection of various birds. There is also a large python that was a gift from the Ravensden Zoo in the United Kingdom. the deer found in the reserve are Brocket deer and were a gift from the Emperor Valley Zoo in Trinidad

We at Glory Tours are happy to provide you with several tour options including the Barbados Wildlife Reserve and we would be delighted if you would join us in paying a visit to The Barbados Wildlife Reserve one day soon :o)

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

Barbados Military History Part 7 World War 1 The Volunteer Force & The Wireless Station

2010-09-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

The Barbados Volunteer Force

The Barbados Volunteer Force was formed on the 2nd of July 1902. It consisted of an infantry force of 50 members. The last British Regiment would have pulled out in 1905 and the BVF would have taken over the responsibilities of Defence.

World War 1

During the World War many Barbadians Volunteered for service with the British and Canadian Military abroad. Many of these from the BVF. In 1925 a Cenotaph was erected in Heroes Square listing the names of the Barbadians who gave their lives in the war. Since then every year these men are remembered on Remembrance Day.

When I was born my Great Great Aunt Tantie was still alive and I have been told so many stories about her. One of which is about how many of her friend went to war and died in the War. She also worked with the Barbados Women's Auxiliary League aiding the War efforts.

The British West Indies Regiment

Also during the war a regiment called the British West Indies Regiment was raised from volunteers all over the Caribbean, including Barbados, and saw service in France, Italy and the Middle East. This regiment was disbanded at the end of the war.

The Barbados Wireless Station

In 1914 at the outbreak of the war Barbados had no wireless communication with the outside world but that was about to change. Members of the BVF came together and decided to erect one. The mast was erected and the station built in St Anns Fort. Initially the distances transmitted and received were short by by the end of WW1 the station transmitted up to 220 miles and received up to 400.

Between WW1 and WW2 the BVF continued with its training. In 199 at the start of WW2 it was embodied as the Barbados Battalion of the South Caribbean Forces.

Oistins Fish Festival

2010-09-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

The Oistins Fish Festival was started in 1977, one year after the Holetown Festival. The founder of the Oistins Festival was Stella, Lady St. John wife of one of Barbados's Prime Ministers.

The Oistins Fish Festival goals were to improve the economic fortunes of the fisherfolk at Oistins, enhance their social status in the community, raise the entrepreneurial skills of the fisherfolk, and highlight Oistins as a major fishing community.

The Oistins Fish Festival has sought to achieve the above by putting on an annual Easter street fair called the Oistins Fish Festival. It starts on the Saturday before Easter and continues throughout the weekend, ending on the Monday bank holiday.
The Festival has attracted thousands of patrons over the years, both locally and regionally. The real Queen of the Festival has been the winner of the major event of the festival - the Fish Boning Competition. This competition is fiercely competitive and keeps alive one of the major art forms associated with the fishing industry – the boning of fish

Other events that create heightened spectator interest are the Dolphin Skinning Competition, the climbing of the Greasy Pole and the Boat Race. Patrons also look forward to the Gospel Festival on the Easter Sunday.

The festival is a unique attraction that offers fun and entertainment for both locals and visitors alike.

Enjoy the sweet strains of calypso and reggae music coming from the sidewalk stalls. Of course dancing to all that music builds up an appetite, so head for the food and beverage stalls and enjoy traditional Bajan fare such as fish cakes, fried fish and pudding and souse, all washed down with a cool drink.

Local arts and crafts can also be found in abundance as local craftsmen take the opportunity to display their wares.

Holetown Festival

2010-09-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

In 1976 Alfred Pragnal conceived the idea of of commemorating the anniversary of the first English settlement of Holetown .

Alfred who was affectionately known as AP, a broadcaster extraordinaire, an actor, calypsonian and a storyteller who is remembered for his Barbadian and Caribbean dialect short story readings

Pragnell worked tirelessly and the first Holetown festival took place the week of the 13th to the 20th of February 1977

Holetown was transformed into a spectacular hive of activity. Entertainment includes a variety of music, such as Gospel, Classical, Tuk Band and Calypso, as well as Folk Dancing, presented in free open-air concerts. There is also an Arts and Craft Exhibition, a display called “Beating the Retreat”, by the Barbados Defence Force and a Flood Lit Tattoo which is put on by the Police and a parade of Vintage Motor Vehicles.
On the Saturday, there is a Street Fair, where Vendors’ Stalls offer a wide cross section of Barbadian Arts and Crafts, as well as local foods and beverages.

The festival has proved to be popular with tourists and locals alike.

The Birth of Barbados

2010-08-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Did you often wonder why Barbados is referred to as the “coral island”? Well, it’s not just because we have the beautiful coral stone on the island or because the other Caribbean islands are volcanic and we are coral-based.

Geologically, Barbados is one of the most fascinating formations known to man. Barbados geological development is the result of a collision between the Atlantic plate and the Caribbean plate. Our island, over the period of about a million years, was born of the gradual accretion of the oceanic sediments and regular tectonic uplifts caused by the Atlantic plate being pushed under the Caribbean plate which literally forced Barbados to ‘pop’ out of the ocean.

The island however, did not take its present shape all at once. Barbados presented as a gradual rising (over some 500,000 years) when coral reefs were created in clear, shallow waters which surrounded the exposed part of the Barbados ridge. At different intervals between 500,000 to 120,000 years ago, Barbados became enlarged by tectonic uplifts which pushed these reefs out of the water. These sea reefs are now ‘inland reefs’ which present as terraces and cliffs that can be seen as you drive around the island.

The unique activity of Barbados' geology also explains why we have so many caves, the most fascinating and beautiful of which is the popular Harrison’s Caves. Very simply put, the caves came about as a result of continued rain and ground water eroding the surface and structure of underground coral beds. The porosity of coral limestone bedrock also acts as a natural filter for rain water which is tapped in reservoirs and pumped throughout the island as excellent potable water to Barbadians.

Barbados Military History Part 6 Buildings of the Garrison Savannah

2010-08-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

Buildings of the Garrison Savannah

1. The Main Guard

The Main Guard is the central point of the Garrisons and looks out on what was once the Parade Ground and now the race track. This structure was erected in 1804 and was used among other things as a court martial with the prisoners being housed in a guard house to the North.

Interesting features are the clock and the coat of arms.

The clock is dated 1803 and was made by Dwerri and Carter of London a noted cock maker. It is thought that the two dials were added later.

The coat of arms is the George the III Coat of Arms. It is unique and was designed especially for this building. It is made of Coad Stone, that is not a stone but a ceramic made to resemble stone. The Formula was invented by a Mrs Elanor Coade in 1779 and its foremost property is its durability. The Coat of arms is dated 1803 and faces directly into the prevailing weather and has withstood 3 major hurricanes. Both King George the III and IV about enthusiastic about Coade Stone and so it is said that perhaps this piece in Barbados may have been commissioned by one of them.

The Veranda and its cast Iron trimmings were added later by Mr Darnley Dacosta who purchased the building in 1906 for the use of a private club "The Savannah Club". The building was later purchased by the Government in 1989 and renamed the Main Guard

2 Ordnance or Royal Artillery, Barracks (Stanford House.

This building was built in 1812, when gunners were no longer required it was used to house the military band before being first turned into apartment and then commercial units

3 The Cannon

This is a collection of cannons that form the nucleus of the National Cannon Collection. This collection includes one cannon that dates back to Oliver Cromwell's time

4 Officers Quarters (Horseshoe Manor)

These were the quarters for the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers in 1824. It was on the opposite side of the road that the Ordinance Hospital was built in 1804. This was condemned in 1822 because it blocked the breeze from the officers and so was torn down and a new hospital was built in 1828 opposite the Savannah.

5 Regimental Engineers Quarters

This is the remnants of the Engineers Yard which once extended down Bay Street. An Interesting Architectural feature is the lantern which may have been used to allow hot air to escape but also provided a look out for the engineer in residence.

6 Monument

This Monument commemorates the 14 soldiers and one married woman killed by the "awful visitation" the hurricane of 11th Aug 1831.

7 Bush Hill House. The Commanding Officer Royal Engineers Quarters

This location will always be most famous for being the house where George Washington stayed on his fate full trip to Barbados. The house has been expanded since his visit but it is known to be the oldest house in the area and was in existence in 1804. The water mill and bath house were in existence by 1793.

8 The Monument

This Monument was erected to commemorate all those who fell in action in Martinique and Guadeloupe in 1809 and 1810

9 The Military Prison (Barbados Museum)

The 'New Prision' Built in 1817-1818 is now known as the the Upper Court Yard the other building were completed in 1853. These surround what was formerly a concrete exercises ground. The Complex became the Barbados Museum in 1933.

10 Barracks Block A, B & C

These Barracks were built together in 1807-1808 and were said to house 400 men each. They were damaged in the hurricane of 1831 but rebuilt. Barracks C was to be the scene of a Grand Ball on the 12th of August preparations were being made for the ball when the hurricane hit. They are now utilized as Government offices.

11 Stables (cherry Tree Cottage)

In 1936 the stables were converted into a house by jacking up the roof and inserting a second story of coral stone.

12 Ordnance Hospital (Rafeen, Geneva and Letchworth

in 1826 Approval was granted for construction of an Ordnance Hospital. The iron work was sent from England in 1828. and the building completed before the hurricane of 1831. It is believed Geneva was the main hospital. Following the abolition of the Ordnance department in 1855 during the 1860's the building was converted for use as the soldiers library and recreation room. It is also said to have been uses for armature theatricals.

13. Bridge Majors Quarters now known as the Bridge House.

The single story section is the oldest section of this building and is described as the Bridge Majors Quarters in 1819. Sometime after 1862 it became the residence of the Chaplin until it was sold in 1905. The building has been used as a home for the elderly, a hotel and restaurant and is now a doctors offices.

14. Stone Barracks. Later West India Barracks.

Completed in 1791 built of stone and brick with two floors measuring 265 by 44ft and housing 450 men. It was badly damaged in the hurricane of 1831 and subsequently rebuilt. It became known as the West Indian Barracks when the West Indian Regiment had its mess and quarters there during the late part of the 19th century. Between the departure of the British forces and the establishment of the Defence Force it provided living accommodation for government officials.

15 Stone Barracks

Also completed in 1791 described as the officers barracks, this to was damaged in the hurricane of 1831. It was rented out as flats in 1834. It is also noteworthy that the current cream colour is the original color of all the Garrison buildings.

16 Tunnel

Unknown to many there lies a tunnel that leads from St Ann's Fort to the Parade Ground.

17 St Ann's Fort

Originally known as St Ann's Castle. This Fort was constructed on an acre and a half. It was built in the shape of a hexagon. It had massive walls and a magazine was built in the center. The Magazine was demolished in 1811 as it was not bomb proof and its contents transferred to Charles Fort.

During the 1840's a look out point was constructed. This point formed part of the Islands signal stations and and between 1914 and 18 it became a wireless station and communicated with ships as far away as the US coastal area.

18. Barbados Military Cemetery

The Present cemetery came into use in 1820's and is today cared for by the Barbados Military cemetery Association. The Cross of Sacrifice was erected in 1982 and the memorial building in 1984. The building houses information on various military units involved in the Garrison and the location of the headstones. Past and present service men are eligible for burial. There is also a memorial to the first Prime Minister of Barbados Sir Errol Walton Barrow who was a flying officer in the Royal Air Force. Another memorial that can be seen is one for the World War soldiers who perished in battle or went missing forever more.

19. Charles Fort.

Originally named Needams Fort but renamed Charles Fort after Charles the II in 1660 it was constructed by Barbados Militia in 1650. It was later incorporated into the British Garrison in 1836 fifty years after the decision was made to build a Garrison. Needhams point Signal station which was within the perimeter of the Fort was erected in 1816 and was one of the Islands signal stations intended to provide early warning of a French attack or a slave uprising. The wooden structure was destroyed by the 181 hurricane rebuilt and destroyed again by fire from a lightning strike in 1929.

20. Rum Store (Island Inn)

Built in 1804 it is shown in 1824 at the Commissariats Rum Store, built in stone and housed 500 cask of rum carrying 120 gallons each. This now forms part of the Island Inn Hotel

21. Shot Hall (Barbados Yacht Club)

What is now a private club was in 1824 the quarters for the Officer Commanding the Royal Engineers.

22. Commissariat Provision Stone (Barbados Light and Power)

This building was built between 1793 1nd 1801. It was designed to accommodate 3500 42 gallon cask. It was bought by the Barbados Light and Power in 1909 which was responsible for its restoration in 1986 and now houses the headquarters for the company.

24. Military Hospital

These buildings were erected in 1803-1806 and were damaged by the hurricane in 1831. They were not restored until 1840 when they were again used as a Hospital. They were later sold as apartments in 1928

Barbados Military History Part 5: The Garrison Historic Area Part 3

2010-08-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

By the end of the 18th century all the wars and talk of war in the Caribbean had ceased the British Government questioned the need for military forces in the West Indies and they contemplated removing them. In 1894 the Secretary of State for the colonies the Earl of Rippon contacted the colonial governments with proposals to dispose of Military property that was no longer required.

In 1905 Governor Gilbert Carter was notified of the British Governments plans to remove the British troops from the Island in the near future. The British government on the removal of the troops provided protection to the islands via a fast naval cruiser permanently stationed in the region and a naval squadron would visit every winter.

With the removal of the troops also came the end of the £80,000 that helped to support the local economy. The House of Assembly wrote King Edward the VII expressing their regret at the British Governments decision but the British government decision was irrevocable.

In November 1905 the last British troops remaining in the Garrison sailed away followed in January 1906 by the 1st West Indian regiment. Only a few staff officers remained to wind up departmental affairs.

During the coarse of the British Government disposing of the military properties they had once occupied they handed back over to the Barbados Government the military installations that belonged to them These included: Charles Fort, st Ann's Fort, Gun Hill &The Barracks at the North face of St Ann's Fort. The Barracks were then fixed up and partially used as a gymnasium for the Barbados Volunteer Force and rooms downstairs were allocated for the Police Force.

The Barbados Government bought Queens House and after leasing the Savannah they bought it outright in 1912 with the agreement that it be kept as an open space available for military exercises. They also bought the military prison and the neighbouring married women's barracks but these were later demolished to build the Garrison secondary school. The Iron Barracks and Stone Barracks also belong to the Barbados Government.

All that is left of the Naval Dockyard is one small building on the Mobil oil compound. The site of the Naval Hospital is now the Navy Gardens residential area and the garrison Chapel. The Military Hospital was turned into residential apartments and is called Pavilion Court. The Main Guard was purchased privately in 1906 and was called the Savannah Club but was later purchased by the Barbados Government in 1989 and the name was reverted to the original title of the Main Guard.

The glory days of the Garrison may be long over but that does not mean that shadows of her past do not linger. One can almost imagine the troops practicing drills on the field and a your George Washington watching on with great interest. Today there is still life at the garrison especially on racing days as the old Savannah has been turned into the islands race horse track. With races being organized by the Barbados Turf Club

Barbados Military History Part 5: The Garrison Historic Area Part 2

2010-08-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

The Garrison was rapidly expanded due to the renewed outbreak of war with France in 1803
In 1802 marked the beginning of the expansion of St Ann's Garrison beyond that which had been called the Kings Boundary.During 1802 and 1803 roughly 48 acres of land was purchased along with 8.5 acres for the General Hospital that was built between 1803 and 1806

The Ordnance Hospital and houses for its medical staff were constructed on the West side of the Savannah at the top of Bush Hill in 1790.

Bush Hill House was purchased as a residence for the commanding officer Now known as the George Washington House

The Main Guard was built in 1804 and the adjacent barracks followed in 1812

Where the Light and Power now occupies was once the Military Stables, storehouse and then the used as a workshop for the Royal engineers.

Construction on the East Side of the Savannah did not start until 1805 while Barbados was threatened by an attack of the French. This threat was thwarted by admiral nelsons timely visit to Barbados and the victory he won at the battle of Trafalgar. Even after this there were concerns of the long term safety of the island and in 1807 materials where supplied and three brick barracks were constructed by slave labour to house an additional 800 men.

The Engineers department stretched almost to what is now known as the Bay Street Esplanade and at its northern boundary a long narrow pond ran parallel to the sea shore and turned sharply eastward bisecting bay street. The Army built a bridge which remained until 1884 called the Barrier Bridge to facilitate communication with Bridgetown

In 1804 The Commissariat rum store was built in preparation for the Royal Navy Dockyard on the road leading to Gravesend and could store 500 casks. A small guard room was also constructed to house a guard for the Rum Store. Now known as the Island Inn Hotel

In 1806 a Naval Hospital was constructed to sever the Naval Dockyard and remained open until 1816
when the dockyard shut down and the naval base was moved to Antigua. All remnants of the Dockyard and hospital were destroyed in the 1831 hospital

In 1817 the new prison was built in Dalkeith on just over 6 acres it was later expanded in 1853. This building now houses the Barbados Museum

Following the Hurricane of 1832 and the cessation of the wars with France the Garrison ceased to expand and started to decline.

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

Barbados Military History Part 5: The Garrison Historic Area Part 1

2010-08-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

From 1655 large fleets of British ships and soldiers were visiting and Barbados making it there base of operation. In the early years there were no barracks for them or provisions, the care and expense of the officers fell in the hands of Barbadians themselves. After repeated visits this became quite burdensome especially considering it was at a time when the island was quite impoverished. The legislature of Barbados was moved to petition the British government for a permanent garrison to be built on the island.

It was not until 1780 that it was finally decided by the British Government to station a permanent garrison on the island.

Before plans for the Garrisons had been made in 1778 France in alliance with the USA declared war on Britain and Louis XVI gave orders for all Britain's possessions in the west indies were to be attacked. By 1780 Dominica, St Vincent and Grenada had been captured and word came to Barbados that it would be next in was under this grave threat that more troops were to be sent and stationed on the Island.
Buildings on Bridge and Marhil streets were utilized and a house was was purchased for the general. on Constitution Hill in the grounds of the present Queens Park. The following October Barbados was devastated by a Hurricane and in 1782 President Dottin head of the Council and at the time acting Governor was forced to inform the Secretary of the State that it was impossible for him to find additional accommodation for the additional troops due to arrive. The decision was then made to purchase the land at Constitution Hill where they erected barracks some 300 feet length also erected a new house for the general. The house was first called Kings House and then renamed Queens House in the reign of Queen Victoria. The house still bears the name today.

After the American revolution ended in 1783 the French threat was removed. The Treaty of Paris saw to it that the islands of St Kits, Nevis,Dominica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica and Tobago to Britain. At this time Britan decided to establish permanent land forces in the Leeward Islands with Barbados being the headquarters.

It was eventually decided that the Garrisons should be built near Charles Fort and St Annes Castle. 16 acres were purchased in 1789 and construction began by the early 19th century most of the buildings had been completed and had grown to cover 64 acres. Not including St Annes Castle or the Fort as they belonged to the Colonial Government. The Garrison in Barbados is in fact the largest in the Caribbean.

Many of the buildings were construsted of London brick. brought out as ballast in ships which returned with sugar. Some 60 of the original buildings are still in existence today. There are some striking examples of British Military Architecture of the time with wide verandas and arches to keep the buildings cool.

Shipwrecks of Barbados

2010-08-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

Barbados diving is known for its wreck sites and reef formations. However,
due to the enormous amount of fishing done off the island, large fish are
seldom seen by divers. The marine park at historic Carlisle Bay is home to five shallow wrecks; the Berwyn, Ctrek, Eillon, Bajan Queen and the Fox. Abundant with tropicals, small groupers and eels. Rare species such as frog fish, bat fish and sea horses. A macro photographer's dream. The SS Stavronikita. The island's signature wreck is a 365-foot Greek freighter sitting in 70 to 140 feet of water.

BERWYN

In 1919 a French military ship came into the harbour. “The Berwyn”. The crew really enjoyed the island of Barbados and wanted to stay longer. The captain said over his dead body and a sunken ship. Well, they all got to drinking, got into an argument and the crew sunk the ship.
The 60 foot French boat sits upright and intact n 20 to 25 feet of water, only 100 yards
from shore. This site is often used as a training dive for scuba or resort courses. The intact iron structure is heavily encrusted with coral, allows for easy penetration, and portrays a classic shipwreck background for wide angle photography. A local dive operator has set up a fish feeding station on the site, so be sure to bring some food for the local inhabitants.

CORNWALLIS
During World War II, a ship named the Cornwallis was sailing near Barbados where a German U-Boat hit it with torpedoes. The Cornwallis was taken ashore and repaired. On the 3rd December 1944 when on route from BARBADOS for ST JOHN (N.B.) carrying a cargo of sugar in bags and mollas ses in barrels she was torpedoed by German submarine U-1230 and sunk.
43 crew lost from a total of 48 The Cornwallis sunk in the deeper waters off the shore of Barbados. Then, when the Carlisle Bay marine park was set up, they moved the hull of the Cornwallis closer ashore.

The ELION

The Elion, came to Barbados from Columbia. The ship was seized by local authorities and searched. They pulled off the interior wall of the ship to discover that the walls of the entire thing was lined with marijuana. The government maintained control of the ship. After all the legal issues were taken care of, the Elion was brought out to the marine park in Carlise Bay and sunk there.

BAJAN QUEEN

The Bajan Queen is located in Carlisle Bay ~ 35ft ~ She was Barbados’ first tugboat named the “Pelican” when the Bridgetown Harbour was being constructed in the 1960’s. A decade later, as more modern tugboats were purchased; the Pelican was then converted to a party boat called “Bajan Queen”. The Bajan Queen holds many memories for thousands of Barbadians and visitors alike. After years of operation as the party spot the Bajan Queen was donated to the Coastal Zone Management Unit. From there with the assistance of our very own Andre Miller the Bajan Queen was cleaned up and sunk on 19th May 2002 in Carlisle Bay Marine Park. She now sits only a few feet below the surface and is accumulating some excellent fish life and good coral diversity.

CE-TREK

Carlisle Bay ~ 45ft ~ The Ce-Trek, a derelict boat constructed of cement was sunk in January 1986. This shipwreck sits in deeper water on the northern edge of the park and is home to nice coral, soft coral and sponge growth.

FRAR'S CRAIG

This vessel, according to Willie Hassell, owner of Willie's Watersports, is
a 160 foot long steamer that was scuttled intentionally in 1985 to form a
fish haven. She sits in 50 feet of water and has already attracted a nice
assortment of fish.

PAMIR

The Pamir wreck is a 155 foot freighter that was also intentionally scuttled
in 1985 to attract fish. She lies completely intact in 50 feet of water about
100 yards offshore. Located on the northwest side of the island, this wreck
can be visited by boat, or divers can reach her by swimming from the
beach.

Straronikita Shipwreck

Stavronikita after the fire. Note the SOS painted on her hull in an attempt to summon help to the stranded
crew. Photo courtesy W.M. Schell, negative by Charles F. Schell. The Stavronikita is probably the most popular wreck on Barbados. She was a 365 foot Greek freighter built in Denmark in 1956 and originally christened the Ohio. On August 26, 1976, while en route from Ireland to the Caribbean and carrying a cargo of 101,000 bags of cement, the vessel caught fire, killing six crew members and injuring three others. An explosion that followed the fire destroyed all of the ship's radio equipment, making it impossible for
the stranded crew to call for help. Twenty four crewmen drifted in the open sea for four days before being rescued. The Stavronikits was then towed to Barbados. A year went by, and the vessel was still anchored off Carlisle Bay, Barbados. On October 24, 1977 , she was purchased at an auction for the sum of $30,000
by the Parks and Beach Commission. The ship was then stripped of all the machinery and brass that could be salvaged. She was cleaned of pollutants, namely the 70,000 gallons of oil being carried in her fuel tanks and towed to a spot just 400 yards offshore on the west coast of the island. On November
21,1978, the U.S. Navy demolition crew set seven charges totaling 200 pounds and blew holes in the ship's hull, causing her to sink. Today, the huge wreck Stavronikila rests in Exploration around and inside her pilot house by her bow where the vessel's name can still divers should not miss.

Lord Combermere & Lord Willoughby

The tugboat Lord Combermere is sunk near Batt’s Rock on the windy west coast.

Locatted in 40ft of water, this small wreck is surrounded by a variety of corals and sponges and is home to many smaller fish. A good beginners dive. Its sister ship, the Lord Willoughby rests in 60 feet of water about a mile away.

St Nicholas Abbey The Hidden Jem Of Barbados

2010-08-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

There is no question when it comes to Barbados that Harrisons Cave is the number one attraction, by some it is even called the eighth wonder of the world. Had it not been for the beauty and grandeur formed by Nature itself St Nicholas Abbey would have held the place as the Islands #1 Attraction.

Every Part of this place possesses a charm and elegance that is unequaled by any other attraction on the island. From the towering Mahogany trees creating a canopy above to the colourful blooms of the garden everything around you welcomes you into this 16th century sugar plantation.

St Nicholas Abbey is a Jacobean mansion and was built by Englishman Col Berringer in 1658. It is believed that Col. Berringer purchased the plans for St. Nicholas Abbey on a journey home to England hence the inclusion of the cornerstone chimneys and fireplaces which are unnecessary in a home in the Caribbean, where temperatures rarely drop below comfortably breezy.

St, Nicholas Abbey is one of just three Jacobean mansions remaining in the Western Hemisphere; the other two are Drax Hall, also in Barbados, and Bacon's Castle in Virginia, USA.

In the mid-seventeenth century, planters Col. Benjamin Berringer and Sir John Yeamans were business partners and owned two adjacent properties; the Berringer Plantation to the north, and Yeaman's plantation, known as Greenland, to the south. Encompassing over 365 acres, the collective property was quite large.

Berringer married Margaret Foster the daughter of a local Reverend and they had three children, Mary, Symon and John.

It is said Yeamans, then a widower, fell in love with Berringers wife Margare. These feeling are thought to have been returned by Margaret and following a heated argument Berringer left the plantation and went to Speightstown. It is said that Yeamans arranged for berringer to be poisoned by a third party and Berringer subsequently died.

Yeamans and Margaret were married in April that year, while Margaret was pregnant with Benjamin's fourth child, a daughter she would also call Margaret. Upon their marriage the two plantations merged into one property named Yeamans Plantation.

Yeamans then moved with Margaret to Carolina where he was appointed as Governor of Carolina.Yeamans had sent three ships from Speightstown to Carolina in 1663. These first colonists landed at Cape Fear in what is now North Carolina, however they found the land difficult to farm and moved south where they founded Charlestown. Yeamans also brought several slaves, thought to be the first slaves introduced to Carolina. Yeamans built a plantation house in Charleston, on the site of what is today known as Yeamans Hall Country Club.

When Yeamans became of ill health in the 1670s, he and Margaret returned to Barbados with considerable wealth and lived at Yeamans Plantation until his death in August 1674. Margaret married a third time to William Whaley whome she also outlived affording her the reputation as a black widow.

When Margaret died she left the plantation to her eldest son, John Berringer. He lived just one month past his mother; on John's death Yeamans Plantation passed to his daughter, Susannah, and her husband George Nicholas. Susannah detested Yeamans, her grandfather’s assumed murderer, and refused to keep his name on the property. It was then that Susannah and George changed the name to Nicholas Plantation.

The above is only the very beginnings of the story of St Nicholas Abbey and its owners. To learn their story and to make the steps that they once would have you will have to pay a visit to St. Nicholas Abbey.

The tour of St Nicholas includes:

The Gardens Floral & Herb

The Great House

The Court Yard

A 1930 Film: Very entertaining and educational

Gullies

The Boiling House: A fully functioning steam mill, this operates only in harvest season

The Rum Distillery: Rum Sampling is included and purchases available

The Cafe

Every part of this attraction adds a new and wonderful experience. I can honestly say if you come to Barbados and hope to capture the essence of the Island you must without a doubt visit St Nicholas Abbey. It takes you back to where is all began .

We at Glory Tours are happy to provide you with several tour options including St Nicholas Abbey and we would be delighted if you would join us in paying a visit to St Nicholas Abbey one day soon :o)

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers

2010-08-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

SIR GARFIELD ST. AUBURN SOBERS

(1936- )

Biographical Information

Men are called Heros for diffrent reasons Sir Garfield Sobers is known as a sports hero.

One need only a glimpse of his career to note how aptly these terms apply to sports super-star Sir Garfield Sobers who, for 20 years, bestrode the cricketing world like a colossus, leaving millions gaping in amazement and admiration.

Destiny seemed to have chosen him from very early for great things, endowing him with the capacity to play with great skill almost any sport involving a ball, particularly cricket, football and basketball.

He was the fifth of six children born to Shamont and Thelma Sobers of Walcott Avenue, Bay Land, St. Michael.

Gordon Bell, author of "Sir Garfield Sobers", records that Garfield and his similarly talented brother Gerald helped their Bay Street Boys' School team to win the primary school Inter-School Cricket championship for three consecutive years.

By age 13, Garfield had caught the attention of Garnet Ashby, captain of the Barbados Cricket League (BCL), St. Philip team, Kent, and Denis Atkinson who played for the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) team, Wanderers, (then located at Bay Land) and for the West Indies.

Ashby, who recruited him to play for Kent in the BCL competition, gave him his first opportunity to play cricket with "the big boys".

The opportunity to further hone his skills came by providing Wanderers cricketers, including Atkinson, with practice in the nets off of his seemingly effortless left arm spin bowling. It was there that captain of the Police team, Inspector Wilfred Farmer (a former Wanderers player and later Police Commissioner), saw him in action and shortly afterwards offered him a chance to play for Police.

By age 16, the prodigy was in the Police First Division team. That same year he was called to the Barbados trials for the 1952-53 tour by India to the West Indies. He made the team as 12th man, an honour for a lad in his first season of first class cricket, then getting his chance to play for Barbados when Frank King, West Indies fast bowler for the Test series, was forced to rest for the colony game.

At 17 years old, he made his international debut for the West Indies in the fifth and final Test against the touring English side in Jamaica in March 1954.

From such an auspicious beginning Garfield Sobers' 20-year cricketing career, took him to unforeseen heights, inspiring almost poetic praise from writers, broadcasters and his peers.

In Michael Manley's "A History of West Indies Cricket", the author describes Garfield as "the first complete Caribbean folk hero after George Headley". Australian fast bowler Keith Miller describes him as "a batting wizard" and "the complete cricketer", while renowned cricket writer E.W. Swanton in his book "Sort of a Cricket Person" writes: "There is a tradition of good sportsmanship in West Indies cricket, long established, which has never weakened. Gary Sobers is its perfect expression."

England's Trevor Bailey, who became a lasting friend of Garfield and who wrote a biography entitled "Sir Gary", said: "He could mishit and still score a six." Finally, renowned Caribbean writer C.L. R. James called him "this superb product of the modern age".

Sir Garfield's records, some of which still stand, include scoring in 1958 at the age of 21, an incredible 365 runs (not out) which stood for 36 years as the highest individual Test score ever made. It was erased in Antigua in 1994 by current West Indies captain Brian Lara who scored 375.

Another record is his sixth wicket stand at Lord's, in 1966, against devastating England bowling. He and David Holford responded to the attack by establishing a record partnership (posting 163 and 105 not out respectively). He was also the first batsman to score six sixes in a six-ball over in a first class match.

Sobers captained the West Indies cricket team for 39 matches between 1965 and 1972, the Barbados team in 1966 and 1967, Nottinghamshire from 1968-1971 and the Rest of the World for two tours - one of England and the other of Australia.

Altogether, he played cricket for Barbados for 21 seasons, English League cricket eight seasons, for Nottinghamshire seven seasons and for South Australia three seasons in their Sheffield Shield Competition.

Garfield was among the first personalities trying to integrate apartheid countries through sport by coaching black youths and playing in racist Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1969.

He was seriously criticised, mainly in the West Indies, for his actions. But his subsequent apology is all the more significant now that many players, including West Indians, have made a living doing the same thing in South Africa even before the end of apartheid.

Retiring in 1974 after his knee cartilage finally gave out, Garfield featured in another precedent when, in 1975, Queen Elizabeth II overturned tradition by dubbing him a Knight in an open-air ceremony at the Garrison Savannah instead of at Buckingham Palace.

In "100 Years of Organised Cricket in Barbados", historians Keith Sandiford and Ronnie Hughes accurately sum up this magnificent career.

They write: "When the cricket world discusses the greatest batsmen of all time the name of Sir Garfield Sobers features prominently in the debate. He is in that short-list which includes Bradman, George Headley and Jack Hobbs. When the greatest all-rounders are being discussed the debate is really about who should rank second behind Gary Sobers."

They rightly observe that Sir Garfield Sobers is "the star personality in the history of West Indies cricket" and that "he helped to make Barbados the strongest cricketing country in the Caribbean during its early period of Independence".

"He has inspired a host of youngsters to play the game and his influence can clearly be seen in the approach and mannerisms of his many imitators. As an international star lifting himself to the top by the magnificence of his cricket, Sobers has served as a role model to thousands of lower income Barbadian boys."

The authors continue: "He has been the role model also for millions of youngsters beyond the shores of Barbados. He is the single most popular of all Barbadians and he has taken our name to all parts of the world and covered it with glory."

This then is the significance of Sir Garfield's contribution to his country, a contribution that moves him from the realm of cricketing/sporting hero to that of national hero.

In the words of Sandiford and Hughes: "He is the embodiment of cricket excellence, and, as such, is one of our truly great national symbols. As a representative of the BCL, Police, Barbados, Radcliffe in the Central Lancashire League, South Australia, the West Indies and the Rest of the World, Sobers made enormous contributions to the growth and popularity of cricket. He richly deserved the engraving of his picture on a Barbados Independence Postage Stamp in 1966, the knighthood which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II saw fit to bestow upon him in 1975 and the placing of his name on the Players' Pavilion at Kensington Oval.

"The name of Garfield St. Auburn Sobers will live forever in the fond memory of Barbadians and cricketers everywhere."

National Hero Bussa

2010-08-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

Biographical Information

In history, he is recorded as Bussa, or Busso or Bussoe. But whatever his original and true name, there is no doubt that he is the most fascinating freedom fighter in the annals of Barbados.

Like thousands of his countrymen, he was born a free man in Africa, but was captured and brought to Barbados in the late 18th Century as a slave.

From that lowly status, he emerged to be celebrated in the folk memory of Barbadians as the man who struck a resounding blow for freedom by leading Barbados' longest slave revolt in April 1816 against racist and oppressive white Barbadian planters. That rebellion has been known to generations of Barbadians as Bussa's Rebellion, a testimony to the perceived transcendent importance of Bussa himself as the major militant leader of the rebel slaves in the actual fighting, and as one of the major planners and organisers of the slave revolt.

Despite the enormous significance of the role he played, mystery surrounds Bussa. There is no reference to him in the records of Barbados' plantations and, until 1816, we did not know he existed. Then suddenly there is the 1816 Rebellion and Bussa becomes real and a threat to white powers in the island.

That Rebellion, which began on Sunday, April 14, 1816, was the first slave uprising in this island for 124 years; the previous taking place in 1692. In the words of historian, Professor Hilary Beckles, it represented an attempt by the slaves to assert some influence on the general abolitionist politics of the time. What distinguished this rebellion from many of the others was that it was not a spontaneous exercise, but rather a calculated blow for freedom, planned, organised and executed by elite slaves on several Barbadian estates.

The facts show that this event was not just a brief historical spasm. Evidence gathered from the captured slaves revealed that the uprising was an attempt at total reconstruction of society in the image of the Blacks. It was an island-wide conspiracy to obtain their freedom by overthrowing the planter class. Another critical factor was that the rebellion, although prematurely started, was sudden and unexpected. Whites generally believed their slaves, not having attempted any insurrections since the late 1600s, would run away rather than undertake armed revolt.

It was the extremely careful planning of Bussa and his confederates, including Washington Franklin, that created this element of surprise. The planning was undertaken at a number of sugar estates, including Bayley's at which Bussa was head ranger. It is now accepted by most historians that Bussa was the principal conspirator and that other revolutionaries included Nanny Grigg, a senior domestic slave on Simmons' estate, and other black officers such as tradesmen, artisans and drivers planned the uprising.

Preparation for the rebellion began soon after the House of Assembly discussed and rejected the Imperial Registry Bill in November 1815. By February 1816, the decision had been taken that the revolt should take place in April, at Easter. That much seems definite and it is further established that Bussa was given the position of leader and commander in the field.

But who, really, was Bussa? The evidence confirms that he was born in Africa. Historians further claim that he was not a young man since the Slave Trade was abolished in 1807, and in general, it took at least ten years for Africans to acquire the language and managerial skills, in addition to their masters' confidence, in order to become a member of the elite slave personnel on estates. Bussa, therefore, apparently enjoyed such confidence and respect.

He led the slaves into battle at Bayley's on Tuesday, April 16. He commanded some 400 freedom fighters against troops of the First West India Regiment and, like José Marti in Cuba, was killed in battle. His troops continued the fight until they were defeated by superior fire power. It is to their credit and because of Bussa's supreme example, even to the point of self-sacrifice, that the Barbadian slaves continued their resistance. It is reported that many went into battle shouting the name of Bussa.

The rebellion failed, but the name of Bussa lived on. In 1985, a full 169 years after that rebellion, when the Emancipation Statue was unveiled, many Barbadians identified it with Bussa in honour of the famous warrior who led the fight in the remarkable 1816 revolt. In the folk memory and consciousness of Barbadians, Bussa still lives.

National Hero Sarah Ann Gill

2010-08-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

SARAH ANN GILL

(1795-1866)

Biographical Information

HER final resting place is very modest, even contrastingly simple, when compared with the monumental role she performed on the religious and social landscape of Barbados.

The headstone on her grave (revised in Heritage Year 1988) located in the small cemetery at the back of James Street chapel reads:

Sarah Ann Gill

Born February 16 1795

Died February 25 1866

HEROINE OF METHODISM IN BARBADOS

THE DEFENDER OF METHODISM

WHEN ITS EXISTENCE WAS THREATENED IN 1823-1825

WAS PERSECUTED AND PROSECUTED

Like many whose lives and value to society are not always fully appreciated, the significance of Mrs. Sarah Ann Gill's contribution must be measured in terms of the context of the role played by Methodists at that time. That was her chosen faith, hence the focal point of hostility by powerful forces against its challenge to the existing social order.

Methodism was brought to Barbados in 1788 by Dr. Thomas Coke, a driving force behind early Methodist missionary activity. By 1793, Methodists were often viewed by the Barbadian upper classes as anti-slavery agitators and Methodist missionaries regarded as agents of the England-based Anti-Slavery Society.

Gill was a Free Coloured and a member of this controversial church in Barbados. In his "Methodism: 200 Years in Barbados", author Woodie Blackman wrote that the first record of her association with Methodism was in 1819 when she made a donation of ten pounds sterling towards the building of the first Methodist chapel in Bridgetown, which was to be constructed of stone. Records show she became a full member in 1820.

In October 1823, the Chapel building was destroyed by a mob of white rioters and the Methodist missionary Rev. William Shrewsbury and his pregnant wife were forced to flee for their lives to St. Vincent.

Sarah Ann and her sister-in-law, Miss Christiana Gill, were among the leaders of the church who subsequently opened their homes as meeting places for church members. In the prevailing adversarial, even life-threatening environment, this was an act of exceptional bravery.

A 28-year-old widow, Sarah Ann held regular worship services in the face of continued and active persecution. These included threats to burn down her house and two prosecutions in the law courts for holding "illegal"meetings.

The latter came about as a result of the Conventicles Act of 1664 which forbade assembly of more than five persons for divine worship unless in a licensed meeting place and led by a licensed preacher.

Sarah Ann was persecuted continuously for one year with threats of grievous bodily harm, questioned by magistrates about supposedly having guns and ammunition in her home, and finally, prosecuted by the House of Assembly.

On each occasion, and at her own expense, she not only defended herself and defied the authorities, but also took the extraordinary step of continuing to hold services in her home.

Governor Warde, censured by the Secretary of State for inaction, was forced to use soldiers to ensure the safety of Sarah Ann, her household and property when the Secret Committee of Public Safety (ringleaders of the persecution) declared that on October 19, 1824, they would destroy her home.

Instead, frustrated by the Governor, they could only burn her in effigy.

In April 1825, when Rev. Moses Rayner was re-appointed to Barbados, he sought, by letter, Sarah Ann's advice about his safety. She replied: "I don't advise you to come, but if it was me, I should come."

He returned and built a chapel on the site of the present James Street Church on land provided by Sarah Ann at a minimal cost with payment spread over eight years.

Inevitably, the outrages of the period reached the House of Commons in England and ignited debate of far-reaching consequences. On June 25, 1825, the members "... deemed it their duty to declare that they view(ed) with utmost indignation (the) scandalous and daring violation of the law and (supported by His Majesty's) ... securing ample protection and religious toleration to all ... of His Majesty's dominions."

The Gill Memorial Church at Eagle Hall is named after Sarah Ann. A large, wooden structure built in 1893, it was replaced by a new Gill Memorial Church built at Fairfield Road, Black Rock, St. Michael in the late 1980s.

It deserves to be a place of pilgrimage.

Her courage, perseverance and commitment to religious freedom set Sara Ann Gill apart even among the unnumbered fine Christian stewards of her day. In thus discharging her primary duty to God, she undoubtedly ensured a standard by which Barbadian society has been greatly uplifted and enriched.

Article on Glory Tours by Karen from TryPeas

2010-08-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

Try Peas is a blog dedicated to providing news, views, and information on ways that we can help try to save the environment.

I was delighted to have the ladies from TryPeas on tour with me. It was a wonderful day and I think of them every time I see an attitude doll at North Point :o)....... (one of the purchases they made on tour)

Bellow is a link to the article Karen wrote about their day with me the Bajan Tour Girl

Barbados Naturally with Glory Tours By Karen of TryPeas

Article by Stephen Mencik In Baltimore Cruise Travel Examiner

2010-08-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

Steve Mencik is a travel agent and cruise fanatic. He has lived in the Baltimore area for nearly 30 years, and is excited that so many cruise lines are now sailing from the Port of Baltimore.

Stephen Has toured with Glory Tours twice and kindly mentions us in his article.
The link to the article can be found bellow :o)

http://www.examiner.com/cruise-travel-in-baltimore/destination-barbados

Harrisons Cave Barbados an Underground Marvell

2010-08-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

It is called the eighth wonder of the world and is the leading attraction in Barbados.

Harrison’s Cave is named after Thomas Harrison, who owned a large amount of land in the area in the early 1700s. In 1733.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, several expeditions ventured into Harrison’s Cave but it is said that none of them would have gotten very far. This is because the natural entrances to Harrison’s Cave were hard to get to, and once inside the cave they would have met with many challenges the cave’s. It is for these reasons it is said that the cave remained an unexplored mystery until 1970.

In 1974 by Ole Sorensen, an engineer and cave adventurer from Denmark visited the island and during the coarse of his trip explored and mapped out the tunnels of the cave. He was assisted by Tony Mason and Allison Thornhill, two young men from Barbados.

The Barbados government started developing Harrison’s Cave after 1974 as a show cave and attraction. Shafts and tunnels were excavated to enable trams for visitors to tour the cave with ease. The cave was opened to the public in 1981.

Harrison’s Cave is a massive stream cave system. In a stream cave, the majority of the passage is dry but there is flowing water throughout the cave. The cave is at least 2.3 kilometres long. The interior temperature is an average 27 degrees Celsius

Its largest cavern is the Great Hal, it measures 15 metres/ 50 feet high. on one of my many visits a guide told me that a famous violinist played inside of the cave on a visit to Barbados she told me that the music was so amazing that they could have stayed inside the cave all day listing to it.

It is an active cave as it carries water. The stalagmites in the cave are growing by less than the thickness of a piece of paper each year — but that’s very fast in geological terms!

A visit to the cave is something I highly recommend. I tell all visitors the world above we live in is one form of beauty. The world under the ocean another and the world under the earth in places like Harrison's Cave yet another. Each one is spectacular and not to be missed. Thanks to the Barbados Government Harrison's cave is comfortable and easily toured. in fact it is the most suitable attraction for visitors who are confined to a Wheel Chair. This is made possible by a special tram purchased by the cave to ensure all of their visitors all well taken care of.

Harrisons cave is a wondrous magical place full of stalactites and stalagmites, streams, waterfalls and reflection lakes. It has been the sight of many weddings and proposals. It posses the type of beauty that can not be replicated or captured in any form. To truly experience the cave one must visit the cave and take a tour through its winding caverns.

Tours of Harrisons Cave are available through many Barbados tour companies including our own Glory Tours. For a 5% discount on our tours we invite you to use the promotional code bajantourgirl

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

Barbados Military History Part 4: West India Regiments

2010-08-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Napoleonic Wars began in 1793 when Britain declared war on Revolutionary France. Britain found itself short of troops on the ground to recapture the French Islands and to remedy this situation they called for the recruitment of slaves. Two regiments of 1000 men known as the West India Regiments were formed. On enlistment the slaves automatically became free men and paid as British soldiers The pay of the black soldier is ninepence per diem, against a shilling per diem to the white. By 1800 twelve regiments had been raised.The second West Indian Regiment played an invaluable part in the recovery of the islands and earned itself the reputation of a formidable fighting force. They went on to serve the British Army for 120 years.

The difference between Barbadains and Jamaicans is as great as between an American and an Englishman. It is actualy said the diffrence was so great that Jamacians did not care to enlist in the 2nd West India Regiment, which is largely recruited in Barbados; and, in the same way, the Barbadian declines to serve in the 1st West India Regiment, because it is almost entirely composed of Jamaicans.

The West India troops won the highest encomiums from every British commander under whom they served. Sir Ralph Abercromby in 1796, Sir John Moore in 1797, Lieutenant-General Trigge in 1801, Sir George Provost in 1805, Lieutenant-General Beckwith and Major-General Maitland in 1809 and 1810, all testified to the gallantry, steadiness, and discipline of the soldiers. Sir John Moore, speaking of the new corps in 1796, said "they are invaluable," and "the very best troops for the climate."

In 1873 the 2nd West India Regiment bore for six months the entire brunt of the Ashanti attack, and had actually forced the invading army to retire across the Prah before the men of a single line battalion were landed. In fact, the efficiency of West India troops was, and is, unquestioned.

The 2nd West Indian Regiment fought in many wars some of the most memorable are listed bellow:

The First Ashanti War
The Cage Coote Expadition
The Badiboo War
The Quiah War
The 2nd Asanti War
The Pram Pram Expedition
The Gambia Expedition
The Ashanti Expedition

The Regiment also went on to fight in the First World War and saw action in East and West Africa as well as Palestine. The WIR soldiers became a valued part of the British forces garrisoning the West Indies, where losses from disease and climate were heavy amongst white troops.

The 2nd Battalion were sent from Kingston to West Africa in the second half of 1915. They took part in the capture of Yaounde in January 1916. The Regiment was subsequently awarded the battle honour "Cameroons 1914-16". The 2nd Battalion, which had been divided into detachments, was brought together in Freetown in April 1916 and sent to Mombassa in Kenya, to take part in the East African campaign against German colonial forces based in German East Africa.

The five hundred and fifteen officers and men of the 2nd Battalion formed part of a column that took Dar es Salaam on 4 September 1916. After garrison duty, the battalion subsequently played a distinguished part in the Battle of Nyangao German East Africa in October 1917. For their service in East Africa the WIR earned eight Distinguished Conduct Medals, as well as the battle honour "East Africa 1914-18".

Following their active service in German Africa the 2nd Battalion of the West India Regiment was shipped to Suez in September 1918. It was then transferred to Lydda in Palestine where it spent the two remaining months of the War.

Post War

After the war, the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the West India Regiment were amalgamated into a single 1st Battalion in 1920. This was disbanded in 1927. The reasons for disbandment were primarily economic. The West Indies had long been a peaceful military backwater with limited defence requirements and the substitute role under which the WIR had provided a single battalion as part of the garrison in Britain's West African possessions had become redundant as local forces were raised and expanded there. Today the colours of the 1st Regiment hang in Windsor Castle after being handed over to King George the V.

The Uniform of the regment was called the Zouave uniform and was sanctioned by Queen Victoria in 1858. She had admired the uniform of the Zouave Algerian tribe which had been incorporated into the French army. On the disbandment of the West Indian Regiments in 1927 the band of the Barbados Volunteer Force retained the uniform which is still worn by the Barbados Defence Force Band today.

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

Flower Forest Barbados A Lush Tropical Paradise

2010-08-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

Flower Forest lies within the lushest part of Barbados. In fact many are known to say "if it wont grown in Flower Forest it wont grow anywhere" This is because the land possesses its own green thumb so to speak. The tropical rains roll in from the Atlantic over the hills of the Scotland releasing their showers of blessings on this wondrous place. The rich soil that lie bellow is is rich melody of sediments that once lay at the bottom of the ocean floor.

Flower Forest is located in the Parish of St Thomas and was once the site of a sugar plantation known as Richmond Plantation and the surrounding area is still know as Richmond today. It is 850 feet or 270 meters above sea level.

Flower Forest opened in December 1983 and suffered considerable damage in a fire in 1990. A new reception was constructed at that time. In the reception one can view a mural depicting several aspects of life in Barbados. These include a Sugar Mill & Chattel Houses. Also in the reception you can see the copper taiches (sugar boiling vats) that ties to the properties days of being a sugar plantation.

Flower Forest Is easy to find and is a quick 8 minute drive from Harrisons Cave, with many signs to help guide you on your way. It is also included in several of our tours at Glory Tours. For a 5% discount on our tours we invite you to use the promotional code bajantourgirl

The Forest Guide advises that most persons spend between 30-45 minutes in the Forest but photo and nature enthusiast may well spend hours enjoying the atmosphere. Good foot wear such as sneakers or a all terrain type shoe is recommended especially on rainy days when paths can get a little slippery. There are a few benches along the way as well as a gazebo with chairs where you can stop and enjoy the views. The main path is also suitable for visitors confined to wheelchairs.

Many of the trees and flowering plants are conveniently labeled for you, displaying the botanical name, common name, family and country of origin. The path itself is made up of several sections each carrying a different name. There is: Don's Downhill, Colin's Corner, Brown's Bypass, Fritz's Fruits, Ward's Way, Livi's Lookout, Dennis Drive, Duncans Dip, Rogers Rough Road, Mary.s Meadow, Wills Walk, Helen's Heliconias, Palm Walk, and Richard's Rise.

Each part of the trail will have something special to offer weather it is a spectacular view, lush rain forest with towering palms, vibrant tropical blooms or even a fluttering hummingbird sipping the nectar of a delicate flower oh and lets not forget those mischievous green monkeys also call the forest their home so keep an eye out and you might just catch them at play. It is all spectacular and well worth a visit or two.

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

A Walk Along The South Coast Boardwalk In Barbados

2010-08-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

The south coast boardwalk starts at Rockley Beach and runs approximately 1.6 kilometer towards Bridgetown. The boardwalk starts just below Accra Beach Hotel, running parallel to Hastings Main Road, stopping just short of Coconut Court.

The boardwalk stretches along the beautiful turquoise sea with its vivid colours and the sparkling white sand. Along the boardwalk there are also several strategically placed view points and landscaped gardens, to let you enjoy the views of the South Coast and the incredible sunsets.
The boardwalk forms a wonderful link between hotels and apartments, local restaurants and bars so weather you feel like sitting by a bar and enjoying a cocktail as the sun sets or enjoying a Delicious Gelato ice cream on a hot summers day it is the place to be.

The boardwalk opened in December 2008 and is enjoyed by tourists and locals, either walking to the beach or local businesses, or simply utilizing the new facility to exercise, meet up with friends, walk hand in hard with your sweetheart and enjoy the views.

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

Barbados Military History Part 3: Admiral Nelson

2010-08-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

In 1803 war broke out with the French and Spanish siding together against Britain. At this time Barbados was strategically used to retake the Islands held by the French. Admiral Nelson was also a key figure at this time he was well aware of his role as saviour of significant parts of the British empire. In 1805, he wrote to Lord Seaforth, the Governor of Barbados, that ‘Your Lordship may rely that everything in my power shall be done to preserve the colonies. Not surprisingly, then, Nelson monuments had sprouted in the empire
too. After a dramatic announcement of the Trafalgar victory , a subscription opened as soon as news of his death reached the island and raised £2,500 within a few weeks, ‘The Green’ in the centre of town was purchased for £1,050 and renamed Trafalgar Square. A bronze statue of Nelson in admiral’s
uniform was unveiled there soon afterwards.

Th victory won by Admiral Nelson removed any outside threat to Barbados and the islands for the next 175 years.

The Lord Horatio Nelson statue at this present time is some 196 years old, and once faced the west overlooking the country's main shopping area, the popular Broad Street, but was turned around to now face the cenotaph/obelisk in the east by the Barbados Labour Party in 1998.

The statue has caused much controversy over the last couple of years with heated debates being broadcast over the airwaves and the Internet. Many have been called for the statue to be removed from the chief town in such a central area, and from the Heroes Square on the basis of the following points:

1. His statue is the only one in our Heroes Square, and he is not a hero of the majority who are of African decent
2. He encouraged the enslavement of Africans, and therefore is an embarrassment to us.
3. The statue is more appropriate for a marine environment

The other side of the coin or the debate has been the following:
1. He is part of our history, and we would be destroying what is part of us.
2. Through his battle at Trafalgar we were saved from the "French" and therefore has the right to remain
3. As the statue of Horatio Nelson in Bridgetown, Barbados is older than its counterpart in Trafalgar Square, in Britain. It should be allowed to remain as a tourist attraction.

Some say the debate will continue but that Nelson will not be touched because he might have been a freemason and therefore is seen by some as a national hero. It is unknown if he is responsible for Masonry Flourishing in Barbados.

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

Barbados Military History Part 2: The Dutch Atack Barbados

2010-08-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

In 1665 the English and Dutch were at war and Dutch Admiral Michiel de Ruyter was on a mission to destroy as much English shipping as he could in the Caribbean before returning to Holland.

On the 29th of April 1665 his fleet consisting of 12 battle ships arrived in Barbados. Early in the morning de Ruyter rounded the point and entered Carlisle Bay and he must have been ecstatic with the number of ships that lay in the bay for him to destroy. Barbados had however been pre warned about the impending attack and were well prepared. As de Ruyter entered the bay the forts and guns around the bay along with the guns from other armed merchant vessels opened fire. After an hour and a half his flagship was practically helpless and he decided to give up the attack. His fleet had been so badly damaged that he withdrew never to return again.

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

Barbados Military History Part 1: England Attacks Barbados

2010-08-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

Barbados was claimed by England in 1625. What will come as a surprise to many of you is that though the Island remained under English rule the first attack made on her was by England itself in 1651.

In 1642 the civil war in England had begun and lasted until 1651. The war was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists. The civil wars set the supporters of King Charles I against the supporters of the Long Parliament ,and then later the Rump Parliament. The Civil War led to the trial and execution of Charles I, the exile of his son, Charles II, and replacement of English monarchy with first, the Commonwealth of England and then with a Protectorate under Oliver Cromwell's personal rule.

During the civil war misfortune was seen by both the Cavaliers and the Roundheads. Thus refugees from both sides began to come to Barbados to escape the strife and rebuild their fortunes. Most of them being royalist or cavaliers as they were called.

It is in this time Barbados began calling itself "Little England" The new settlers were determined to rebuild the fortunes they had lost in England and this brought Barbados increased activity and prosperity. They also brought with them the dissensions and difficulties they hoped to leave behind them in England.

In 1650, Francis, Lord Willoughby of Parnham arrived to claim the island in the name of Charles Stuart the pretender brother of the executed Charles the First. After initial protest, Barbados proclaimed Charles Stuart King of England. This was treason. But not all Barbadians were royalists; those who were not were told that, as roundheads, they should go back to England. The island was thus split, just as England was. At that time Barbados was also trading with the Dutch against the instructions of Cromwell

The Roundheads were being kicked out of their homes. Back in England, they would be political exiles and so Cromwell sent Sir George Ayscue in 1651 to bring order and to quell the insurrection in Barbados.
News came to Barbados of the impending attack and the Governor placed the Island on a war footing. Forces of both horse and foot were quickly raised and the scene was set for the invasion of Barbados. Ayscuse arrived off Barbados on the 15th of October and seized 26 ships in Carlise bay. However for 6 months Ayscue was unable to land in Barbados as concentrated attacks on Speightstown were repelled by the small forts along the shore. The were however able to enforce a strict embargo on ships entering and leaving Barbados and thus dealing a sever blow to the islands economy.

Sir George Ayscue

Barbados was landed only after one of the governors most Senior commanders Colonel Modiford made it clear that unless an agreement was made he would turn his regiment over to the roundhead . The Governor then sought a meeting with Sir George Ayscue who was also anxious to have the matter behind him as many of his men were suffering from scurvy a disease associated with the lack of fresh fruit and vegetables. The two men met in the Mermaid tavern in Oistins and signed what has become known as the "Charter of Barbados". Signed in 1652, the agreement gave Barbados rights and privileges unheard of in any other Island. In particular it guaranteed that Barbados could not be taxed without the consent of a Barbados General Assembly. It was under these terms Barbados surrendered to Ayscue.

A replica of the Mermaid Tavern at the National Armoury at St Ann's Fort

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

Bathshbea Barbados, Sea, Sun, Shells, Fish, Reef, Tide Pools, Train Line

2010-07-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

In an earlier blog I mentioned Bathsheba Why I Love Being A Tour Guide In Barbados. It was here that I first dreamed of one day having a job that I could Visit Bathsheba Every Day. That dream became a reality when I started Glory Tours a sightseeing and Excursion Tour Company In Barbados.

It was In Bathsheba where I spent my summers with my parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandmother. I would sit and sketch by my grandmothers side, she herself was an amazing artist and many tourist bought her work from art galleries. Painting was one of a million talents she possessed.

She walked with us on the beach collecting sea shells, telling us their names. She told us stories of the old train line (see Barbados Railway 1873-1937) tent bay the fishing village above Bathsheba and of a US war ship that crashed off the coast. my Great Aunt actually married one of the officers.

In this blog I will try to capture the beauty of Bathsheba in photographs, however I must say the true beauty and spirit of Bathsheba can not be captured through a camera it takes something much more personal and I encourage all to take a visit and to walk upon its shores. Take a dip in the tide pools and soak in the surf.

As to the name Bathsheba Legend has it that Bathsheba, wife of King David, bathed in milk to keep her skin beautiful and soft. It is said that the surf covered white waters of Bathsheba, rich in minerals and life is said to resemble Bathsheba's bath in both appearance health giving value.

This is the rugged east coast of Barbados, where visitors come to breath the air, soak in the invigorating Bathsheba Pools and feel alive.
It is breathtakingly beautiful; wide tan sand beaches stretch along a dramatic coastline of striking rock formations sculpted out by the large Atlantic rollers. What at first glance are huge boulders washed up on the beach, are actually rock formations broken away from ancient coral reef that is now seen high above.

Bathsheba is home to a small community of fishing folk and their families. Along the coast are guest houses, local rum shops and restaurants. It is a hideaway for discerning tourists and for Bajans who frequently weekend here in their seaside cottages along the shore.

Above Sunrise At Bathsheba

Above Tide Pool In Bathsheba

Above The Rocks Out To Sea Are The Musics

Above Two Of The Musics

Above pieces Of The Old Train Line

Above A Tide Pool

Above What Was Once Part Of The Beaches Changing Facilities And Later Used In The Filming Of The Bold & The Beautiful

Above A Red Flag That Is Always Up Signifying High Sea

Above The Mushroom Rock In Bathsheba

Above A Path That Was Once Part Of The Old Train Line

Above Is High Rock With Greavsies Pool Bellow

Above View From Under High Rock

Above Window to the Sea From Pneumonia Pool

Above Window to the Sea From Boulder On Bathsheba Beach

Above Green Fingers Stretch To The Sea

Above San Stone On Bathsheba Beach

Above A turbine Snail Clinging To A Moss Covered Rock

Above A Sea Anemone

Above Tiny Sea Anemones With A Moss Covered Crab On Top

Above A Violet Snail Shell

Above We Called This Lettuce Sea Weed

Above Pink Coral And A Red Sea Urchin

Above A Hermit Crab

Above A Moss Covered Rock

Above A Violet Snail

Above A Sea Shell Home To A Hermit Crab

Above A Black Sea Urchin

Above Coral

Above Barnacles Grow On A Reef

Above A red Sea Urchin

Above Sea Weed

Above Turbine Snails

Above Chiton - 'Sea Beef'

Above Large Sea Cockroach

Above Green Heron

Above A Green Heron Fishing On The Reef

Above A Green Heron With His Catch

Above A Green Heron Stands Tall

Above Wild Flower

Above Sea Glass

Above A Coral Crusted Sea Fan

Above A Small Piece Of Brain Coral

Above A Dried Out Piece Of Sea Weed

Above A Piece Of Drift Wood We Used To Collect These For Beach Bonn Fires

Above A Coral Crusted Sea Fan

Above Brain Coral

Above The Shell Of A Dried Out Sea Urchin

Above A Sand Crab, We Would Run After These As Kids Catching And Releasing Them

Above A Dead Crab

Above The Back of A Tri-Colour Pumkin Moon Crab

Above Caribbean Ghost Crab

Above A Giant Land Crab, Or What We Call A Swampy

Above a Manawar the blue threats are stingers and as children

we were taught to pop them with our heel and kill them.

Above A Turkey Shell

Above A Sea Shell

Above A Top Hat Shell

Above A Violet Snail Shell

Above A Cow Shell

Above A Pigeon Shell

Above A Turkey Shell

Above Puppy Eye Shells

Above The Shell Of A Sea Worm

Above A finger Nail Shell

Above A White Top Hat Shell

Above A Duck Shell

Above A Hen Shell

Above A Pigeon Shell

Above A Sea Shell

Above A Pink Top Hat

Above A Ginnie Shell

Above A Sea Shell

Above A Clam Shell

Above A Sea Shell

Above A Zebra Fish

Above A School Mistress

Above Is A Sand Fish

Above A Sea Slug

Above Is A Sea Centipede

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

The Barbados Railway 1873 - 1937

2010-07-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

To many people the story of the Barbados Railway is a relatively unknown one. Many Barbadians of the younger generations have never even heard of its existence.

For me I have heard stories of the old train line as long as I can remember. Growing up as a child I spent many a summer just a literal stones throw from where it ran. In fact I am here now in that same place enjoying a two week vacation. As children we hiked the old railway line through Bathsheba and over Joe's River Bridge onto Cattlewash. My mother along with her brothers and cousins hiked the same railway line through tents bay, Martins Bay, Congo Bay and into Bath. My Grandmother, she rode on the train and so told me any wonderful stories of glorious train rides from Bridgetown to Bathsheba where they to spent summer vacation.

The first plans to build a railway in Barbados came about in 1848, Sir Charles Grey the Governor of Barbados at the time was a railway buff himself and had planed to have a railway built between Bridgetown to Speightstown. Work was to beguine before Old Years day 1848 but this never came about.

The dream was dormant but not dead and in 1873 it re-emerged with a new route from Bridgetown to Belleplaine. It is said the original route was abandoned because land owners along the route were asking exorbitant sums of money for the land. The new route would run from Bridgetown to the Valley, Carrington, Bushy Park, Codrington Colledge, Bathsheba and end at Belleplaine.

The plan for the new line was that the gauge was to be 3'6' wide and to be 24 miles in length. In the 1920's the railway was declared unique in two ways by Mr Ernest Biffin general Manager of the Railway. It had the most sever curve of any line he knew and it had one of the steepest gradients of any railway in the world.
It is actually said that curves were placed in the track because the railway company from England did not build lines less than 21 miles long. The train line also had a total of 98 bridges of which remnants can be seen today

Fares are said to have been attractive for the 40 minute journey: Single first class return fixed at BDS$0.48 and the impoverished could travel for BDS$0.12 This was however at a time when a fair number of labourers only worked for BDS$1.00 a week.

When Operations began in 1873 it was with 5 locomotives 2 from English Vulcan Foundry in Lamcahire. 2 from the Avonside Engine Company of Bristol and a Black Hawthorne named St Michael. A further two were ordered from Namgnell's of Stafford England. The original locomotives were named after the parishes through which the lines ran. Later in 1898 when the gauge was reduced to 2'6' four Baldwin locomotives were brought from Philadelphia and served to the final closure of the runway. They were given ladies names: Beatrice, Alice, Catherine and Dorothy.

The Railway Changed Hands several times. It was first owned in 1873 by the Barbados Railway Company Ltd. but was later sold after the company did not allocate maintenance fees for the line and it ran into difficulties when maintenance and upgrades were needed. The line was then sold and renamed the Bridgetown and St Andrew Railway Limited. By 1905 it changed hands again under financial difficulties and was renamed the Barbados Light Railway Company it was initially successful and a new track was laid between Carrington and the Crane but this track was solely for goods. However with few passengers, limited fright and essential maintenance ignored the company survived only 10 years at which time it was sold to the Government in 1916. Profits were made in the first 3 years unfortunately mismanagement again crept in with maintenance having a low priority. Several serious derailments of train carriages and the cry "mind the doors please" assumed real significance as the doors were literally dropping off. The carriages were also infested with "Mahogany Birds" Coca Roaches. In 1937 on the advise of railway expert Mr Bland the Government of Barbados shut the railway down permanently.

There are also several stories of tragedy associated with the Barbados Railway. One took place in Bathsheba by the water tank. it is said young boys often liked to swing from one side of the track to the other and one day they did not see the train coming and swung across to their death as they were hit but the train.
Another took place on the upward gradient of Consett Point. three boys had hitched a lift on an open fright train leaving Bath station with canes. the wagons broke loose and raced backwards. Two boys jumped to safety but the third was killed. Another accident took place one night whet the train derailed and one of the carriages capsized. many passengers received minor injuries but one person was killed when a window came down and stuck the back of a ladies neck breaking it and killing her.

There are also several humorous stories to be told about the train line. Drunk and disorderly travellers were entreated by all gentle means to stop the nuisance or possibly more effectively dumped unceremoniously at the next station. On some outings to Bathsheba when gentleman would become overly intoxicated and missed the train they would have a 16 mile walk back to Bridgetown. A certain cure for hangovers!
No washrooms were aboard but agile gentleman were able to jump off the front relieve themselves and join the train at the rear. I have also read about people who would transport their goats for goat races but that though they were mostly contained that there was one lady who drank only fresh Goats milk and so whenever she went to Bathsheba weather for a day or longer she took her goat so that she would have a fresh supply of goats milk. This story is especially amusing to me as my Grandmother would tell me stories of when she travelled on the train as a girl with her parents who took their goat to have fresh milk and chickens so they might have eggs........ I wonder could this lady be my Great Great Grandmother..... she was supposed to be quite the lady.

It was also to the amusement of Mrs Thomas Griffiths who owned Atlantis Hotel that the train stopped as she put it "just in front her entrance". Mrs Grifiths was aware that Mr. Carter managed the Crane hotel and was equally solicitous haven sending his horse and carriage to meet guest at the Bushy Park Station. Mrs Griffiths would on her part add that the drive to her hotel was a delight and the cuisine excellent.

This article was published in the Barbados Advocate on the 20th of March 1937

Come bid de ole Railway goodbye
liz gal muh heart pain
Nuh moah I'll hear de whistle, nor
De toot-toot of de train

Nuh moah train-outin Lizzie gal
nuh strains from brumlee band
Thanks to de position Liz
En dat man Mistuh Bland

De railway opponents succeed
At last duh get duh wish
Um is de usual big fish tale
Big fish eat little fish

Duh ent accept de fine report
uh Mister Gilling Liz
But we de masses well uhware
Just when de bisnis is.

Duh gwine to substitute fuh trains
uh moatuh service here
Well Lizzie an Joe gwine resort
once moah to "Sharks" ole mate.

We too en got nuh horse en cart
Farless uh moatuh car
Duh snatch away we Railway Liz
From outins we debar

Um mean moah mouth traffic gal
Moah death en broken bone
Moah mouth murduhs daily liz
De record will be shown

Hotels en bungalows gwine spring
like mushrooms in de night
Dat's why Railway satellites
Had such un bitter fight

De imigrashun scheme dat plan
Well dat en needed still
Wah surplus populashun here
lorries en bus kin kill.

Each maunin as yah wake hear
uh lorry car or bus
Knock down someone unconscious Liz
Walk careful now; yah mus

Yah seldom hear bout railway smash
When we did have we train
We uise to drink; get drunk en all
At outins to Belleplaine

Dah force we now say goodbye
De parting ful uh pain
Nuh moore train drive to Martin Bay,
Goodbye! Goodbye! Ole train

All that is left of the train line today aside from old photographs and paintings are a few rusty steaks in the ground or out to sea in places such as Bath. Pathways where the train once ran have become pedestrian pathways between communities, some only used by hikers

I often wish we still had a train line as my grandmother always made it sound like such a wonderful journey. I am thank full that I have her many stories to entertain me. I remember her telling me a few times that the trains ran on coal and manjack. Manjack is a form of tar or pitch, rich in bitumen and found in the Scotalnd District. It was known in Barbados from very early days and is referred to as 'Mountjack' by Richard Ligon in his 1657 True and Exact History of the Island of Barbadoes. In the late ninteenth century it was mined comercially and exported for use in manufacture of black paint. During World War I manjack was used as train fuel. There has been no manjack mining in Barbados since 1920.

Provided with the compliments of your friends at Glory Tours. The #1 Provider of Sightseeing Tours in Barbados http://glorytours.org/

The Story In A Name Part 3.... Barbados, the names of places and the stories behind them

2010-07-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hackleton's Cliff

Hackleton's Cliff, is in the parish of St.Joseph, Barbados, it rises almost perpendicularly within a few miles of the coastline and reaches a height of one thousand feet above sea-level. According to legend, the cliff is named after a man who committed suicide by riding his horse off the cliff.

Bonnets

Bonnets in St Michael was names after the infamous buccaneer Major Stede Bonnett, whose family owned the two plantations with that name. One was subsequently changed to Upton apparently because of the shame of Stede's pirating ways.

A number of streets in the city were named after former Governors of Barbados they are:

Beckwaith Place - Sir George Beckwith 1810
Hincks Street - Sir Francis Hinks 1856
Mcgregor Street - Sir E.J.M McGregor 1836
Parry Alley - Hon David Parry 1783
Pinfold Street - Charles Pinfold 1756
Probyn Street - Sir Leslie Probyn 1911
Reid Street - Sir William Reid 1846
Ricketts Street - George Yountz Ricketts 1794

The Careenage

The Careenage was given its name as this was where ships where careened onto a side to be repaired, scrubbed and painted.

Country Road

Country Road was was named country road as it was in a rural district in an era when Bridgetown was significantly smaller. In the early 20th century sugar cane was still being cultivated at what is known as Weymouth.

Mason Hall Street

Mason Hall Street was the location of a Masonic Lodge which was established in the mid 18th century. Temple yard was the location of yet another lodge.

Roebuck Street

Roebuck Street once had a tavern called the Roe Buck

Belleville

The name Belleville which literally means beautiful town, was created to give that sound of respectability much as the terms Heights, terrace, Garden and Park were to do some 100 years later.

Palmetto Square and Palmetto Street

Palmetto Square and Palmetto Street next to it were named after the Palmetto palm tree which most likely grew there before it was paved over.

Pie Corner

Pie Corner in St Lucy was named in memory of the Great Fire of London in 1666 which started in Farryners Bakery in Pudding Lane and was stopped at Pie Corner after a line of houses were blown up with gunpowder as a fire break. 89 churches and 13,000 dwellings covering 373 acres were destroyed.

Bydemill

The name Bydemill originated in England. The Mill of itself is placed on the exact spot where St George, St John and St Philip conjoin.

Tweedside Road

Tweedside road once had a house on it by this name, the house was named for the River Tweed in Scotland.

Sam Lords Castle

Sam Lords Castle was built and named for a legendary figure with a shadowy reputation. It was a palatial home with only the parapets making it look somewhat like a castle. The four corners of the building are set at the exact four points of the compass.

St Nicholas Abbey

St Nicholas Abbey was built by Benjamin Berringer in the 1650s is not an Abby. the house acquired the name from George Nicholas who married Berringer's grand-daughter, the heir to the property. The name Abbey is no more than a 19th century affection

Cotton Tower

Cotton tower one of the signal stations was nothing to do with cotton the plant but was named after Catherine Cotton. the daughter of former Governor Lord Combermere.

Bath

Bath was named not because for the beach but after the plantation which acquired its name from the stream running through it. Part of the stream was dammed and used for communal bathing.

Foul Bay

Foul Bay is not named for a foul smell but there was originally Fowl Bay, because it once had a swamp which attracted migratory birds.

Castle

Castle in St Peter was originally called Indian Castle after a cave there which was occupied by Amerindians.

Animal Flower Cave

Animal flower Cave is named after the sea anemones found inside the cave.

Break Neck Hill

Break Neck Hill is a short steep hill in the Ivy St Michael. it was once the scene of a fatal accident where the victim actually broke his neck. Charles Row Bridge was named for a man who lost his life there.

Bathsheba

It is said that Bathsheba, wife of King David, bathed in milk to keep her skin beautiful and soft. The surf covered white waters of Bathsheba are said to resemble Bathsheba’s bath in both appearance and health giving value. It is breathtakingly beautiful dramatic coastline of striking rock formations against which the Atlantic rollers break in cascades of foam.

The Crane

The Crane in St. Philip was once a small port with a crane which was used to lift cargo from ships anchored offshore.

The "Horse"

1769, The "Horse" In the 18th century it was considered improper for ladies to be seen bathing in public. Sea-bathing, however had become so popular that by 1769 at least one discreet bathing place had been constructed near The Crane. It was referred to as the "Horse" and was approached by steps cut into the sea cliff. The stairs to the "horse" can still be seen descending from the far side of the south of The Crane, much as it was in 1769.

Hangman Hill

Hangman Hill is the location where they caught a murder who was later hung at Glendairy prison.

Crab Hill

Crab Hill in St Lucy was named Crab Hill because of the large number of crabs found on it.

Three Houses.

Three Houses was so named because for some time there were only three houses in the area.

Cut Throat

Cut Throat in St Thomas acquired its name from the incident outlined bellow.
A Mr Elcock of Mt Wilton Plantation promised one of his favourite slaves, Geoffrey that he would be freed at Mr Elcocks death. Unable to persuade his master to free him sooner, Geoffrey tried to expedite matters by slitting his throat. He later confessed the crime rather than endure the Ordeal of touch in which it was believed that a dead mans wound would bleed if touched by the murderer.

Trainline

Trainline St Philip is the exact spot where the part of the railway ran between 1881 and 1937.

The Puff

The Puff is a area just south east of Conset Bay and is Co

Cow Nose

Cow Nose is in Belair St Philip and was so named because there is a hole on top of the cliff; when a wave surges under the cliff, making a noise similar to a cows breathing.

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