BARBADOSThis name (the bearded ones) comes from either Spanish or Portuguese, so given seemingly because of the many bearded fig trees that were found on the island at the time of its discovery. Sailors from both Spain and Portugal knew of the island since the sixteenth century (1511), but neither country settled the island. The original inhabitants, called the island Ichirouganaim and still is so known to their descendants in modern days.

BARBADOS – The Bearded Fig Trees show more of this name

BARBADOSWas permanently settled by the English in 1627. From that time onwards, this island remained English, then British, until the year the country gained its independence in November of 1966. The new nation joined the Commonwealth at that time.

BARBADOS’ National SymbolsFlag: The Broken Trident Coat-of-arms

The Pride of Barbados Flying Fish Barbados was once known

as the Land of Flying Fish. These fish are now less abundant in its waters because of over-fishing.

Essential FactsGovernment: Parliamentary democracy and

Constitutional monarchyHead of State: Governor–generalPopulation: 300,000 (2005)

Essential FactsNationality: Barbadian; (informal) BajanMotto: “Pride and Industry”Capital: BridgetownLanguages: English, Hindi/Bhojpuri, Bajan

dialectLocation: Eastern Caribbean – most easterly

islandArea: 430 square kilometres (166 sq miles)Currency: Barbados dollar National Sport: Cricket

Essential FactsNational Festival: Crop Over FestivalNational Holiday: Independence Day, 30th

NovemberEthnic groups: Afro-Barbadian, Indo-

Barbadian, Asian, Multiracial, EuropeanReligion: Christian Protestant, Christian

Roman Catholic, Muslim, Hindu

Takes of Barbados’ landscapes, sea-scapes and its people – east and west coastlines

Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes, its people – Independence Square, Bridgetown

Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes, its people – Christian and Muslim worship sites

Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes, its people

Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes, its people – inland

Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes, its people – now its own homeland experience

Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes, its people

Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes and its people

Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes and its people

A little humour – by a British poet Said the Shark to the Flying Fish over the phone

“Will you join me tonight?  I am dining alone.Let me order a nice little dinner for two.And come as you are in your shimmering blue."

Said the Flying Fish, "fancy remembering me,and the dress that I wore to the porpoise's tea"."How could I forget" said the Shark in his guile."I'll expect you at eight", and rang off with a smile.

She has powdered her nose,she has put on her things,she is off with one flap of her luminous wings.

Oh little one, lovely,light hearted and vain,the moon will not shine on your beauty again.

E V Rieu