Hey all! It’s a very special month for residents of Barbados. November is the month of independence! In this post, I will be describing the national embellems, while in another post I will speak about the delicacies consumed and festivals which occur during Independence.
Around 1961, Barbados had been granted internal autonomy, thus making the attainment full independence from Britain was an easier task, and on the rainy night of 30th November 1966, Barbados was granted constitutional freedom from Great Britain, our Mother country, thanks to Mr. Errol Walton Barrow.
The British Queen acts as the Head of State, represented in the island by the Governor General, however the real power lies in the hands of the Prime Minister and his Parliamentary Government.
In 1966, a national competition was held in order to select a flag, pledge and national anthem for the soon independent Barbados. From this competition, we emerged with our beloved aquamarine (blue), gold and black flag and a host of proud Barbadian embellems.
The National Flag of Barbados:
On each side of the shield, there is a symbolic animal. On the right, a Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), symbolic of the thriving fishing industry, while on the left, the pelican represents a small island named Pelican Island which existed off Barbados and which is now incorporated into the Deep Water Harbour Development.
At the top of the shield is a helmet surrounded by a wreath, from which an arm emerges. The hand is that of a Barbadian holding two crossed pieces of sugar cane symbolic of the Sugar Industry. This saltire cross represents the cross upon which Saint Andrew was crucified and Saint Andrew’s Day,which is also the day on which Barbados celebrates Independence.
The banner bears the motto of Barbados, “Pride and Industry”.
The Coat of Arms is the official Government seal of Barbados.
Another beautiful image of the Pride of Barbados
This flower blooms most of the year and most varieties are a fiery red and yellow although other colour variations exist. The plant is a usually molded into a hedge as it is a shrub, but it can grow up to 15ft tall. The leaves are composed of samll collective leaflets.
The flower is about 1 ½ inches across and has 5 large petals and 1 petal much smaller than the others. It has 10 long stamens with coloured filaments and anthers at the tips. They are also pistils projecting from the center of the flower, with 1 filament bearing a stigma and is the style.
The National Pledge:
I pledge allegiance to my country Barbados and to my flag,
To uphold and defend their honour,
And by my living, to do credit to my nation,
Wherever I go.
The national pledge of Barbados was written by Mr. Lester Vaughan, a former educator and Educational officer of Primary schools. The words of our pledge embodies the feelings that should be expressed by every Bajan, no matter where in the world they are.
The National Anthem:
Verse 1
In plenty and in time of needWhen this fair land was young
Our brave forefathers sowed the seed
From which our pride has sprungA pride that makes no wanton boastOf what it has withstoodThat binds our hearts from coast to coastThe pride of nationhood
Chorus
We loyal sons and daughters allDo hereby make it knownThese fields and hills beyond recallAre now our very ownWe write our names on history’s pageWith expectations greatStrict guardians of our heritageFirm craftsmen of our fate
Verse 2
The Lord has been the people’s guideFor past three hundred yearsWith Him still on the people’s sideWe have no doubts or fearsUpward and onward we shall go,Inspired, exulting, free,And greater will our nation growIn strength and unity
The music of the National Anthem of Barbados was composed by Mr. C. Van Roland Edwards, however in 1967, Inspector Prince Cave of the Royal Barbados Police Band re-arranged the music of the Anthem giving it more harmony while keeping the original tune. Mr. Irvin Burgie wrote the lyrics of the National Anthem.
- At the beginning of all public performances.
- For the Monarch (members of the Royal family)
- For a foreign Monarch, Head of State or member of a reigning foreign Imperial or Royal family.
- For a salute at official ceremonial occasions during the arrival and departure of:
- For the Governor General.
- For Governor Generals of other independent Commonwealth Countries.
- For Governors of associated States
- For High Commissioners of Offices administering a Government of a dependent Territory within the Commonwealth Countries
The Anthem can also be played at the end of public functions and at toasts during official functions.