The Island of Barbados

Barbados is an independent ISLAND · It was created by the collision of the Atlantic and Caribbean plates, along with a located in the western Atlantic Ocean. VOLCANIC ERUPTION The island was called Los Barbados, meaning "THE BEARDS". because the indigenous ficus trees were thought to resemble male facial hair. 350BC. 1625 1639 1966 Barbados is believed to be inhabited by Amerindians coming from Venezuela British ships landed on Barbados The first Parliament was held, consolidating the English stronghold over the island. Barbados gained full independence & retained its status as and claimed the land in the name a Commonwealth around 350 –400 BC. of King James I. country. 1500's 1627 English law & traditions took Over the next 20 years, the island's population grew significantly on account of hold quickly In the mid 1500s, the Portuguese claimed the island Captain Henry Powell landed with a party of 80 settlers and 10 slaves. and the island was soon given the nickname the introduction but did not make a colony out of it. of sugar cane. "Little England". Fun Facts W- The highest point in Barbados is Average temperatures range from: MOUNT HILLABY (1,105 ft; 337 m) in the north-central area. 70°– 80°F BRIDGETOWN is Barbados' capital city. ...... Population of 284,000 & a growth rate of 0.33%. Barbados is 166 sq miles and only 21 miles long & 14 miles Barbadians speak a across at its widest point. DIALECT OF ENGLISH with tonal qualities that reflect the West African heritage of the vast majority of its population. Barbados is known for being one of the BEST WINDSURFING spots in the world. The best time to surf in Barbados is between DECEMBER – MARCH Barbados is known as 'the land of the FLYING FISH' It is known as good luck in Barbados if a because of the abundance of flying fish in its waters. They can glide for 30 to 50 meters. MONGOOSE scurries across your path. Barbados is completely surrounded by the Barbados is the only coral island in the region with all ATLANTIC OCEAN WHITE SAND BEACHES Barbadians You May Know . IMY UN'S AUARDS OENYCE JAMES SISNETT GRANDMASTER FLASH RIHANNA The world's 2nd oldest living man lives in Barbados: James Sisnett, 113 years old. Famous singer Rihanna was Born in St. Michael, Barbados on February 20, 1988. One of hip hop's greatest pioneers, Grandmaster Flash (Joseph Saddler)was born in Bridgetown, Barbados on January 1, 1958. Popular Attractions HARRISON CAVE CRANE BEACH Harrison Cave is one of the most popular attractions of the island. The cave is known for the stalactites hanging from the roof of the cave and stalagmites that emerge from the ground, with streams of pure clear water that come from spectacular waterfalls to form natural pools. Crane Beach has been recognized as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Here you will find plentiful sub-tropical vegetation, striking cliffs, soft white sand, clear blue water, and creates a natural harbor making it a safe swimming area. coral reef that 3. ANIMAL FLOWER CAVE WILDLIFE RESERVE The Animal Flower Cave is named for the sea anemones found inside. The coral floor of the cave is believed to be between 400,000 – 500,000 years old. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a very popular attraction in Barbados. The animals are out in the open in a natural environment, allowing you the opportunity to walk through the reserve and observe them in their natural habitat. What else is Barbados known for?. CRICKET • Desmond Haynes has scored the most ODI runs by a Barbadian for the West Indies with 8,648. • Malcolm Marshall also holds the record for the most ODI wickets by a Barbadian with 157. • Garry Sobers holds the record for the most Test runs by a Barbadian for the West Indies, his tally of 8,032 runs is the 4th highest overall for the West Indies. • Gordon Greenidge is the second highest scoring Barbadian in both Tests and ODIS. > The Kensington Oval is a famous cricket field in Bridgetown, Barbados. • Malcolm Marshall has taken the most Test wickets by a Barbadian with 376, which is the 3rd highest overall for the West Indies. • Barbados is one of the regions which makes up the West Indies cricket team. • The first Barbadian to captain the West Indies was Teddy Hoad during the first Test of England's tour to the West Indies in 1929. > Barbados contributed 3 players to the side that competed in the West Indies first Test match against England in 1928 -Snuffy Browne, George Challenor and George Francis. • Joel Garner is the second highest wicket taking Barbadian in both Tests and ÕDIS. > "The Three Ws"-Everton Weekes, Frank Worrell & Clyde Walcott have each scored over 3,000 Test runs for the West Indies. POLO The first horse polo match in Barbados was played in 1884. British cavalry officers brought the sport with them from Great Britain. Polo season: January - May 4 Polo fields in Barbados: • Holders Hill in St. James is the main field • Water Hall polo field in St. James • Lion Castle polo grounds in St. Thomas • Clifton polo field in St. Thomas CROP OVER FESTIVAL > Crop Over is a five-week long summer harvest festival from the beginning of July to early August in Bridgetown, Barbados. > Its origins can be traced back to the 1780's, a time when Barbados was the world's largest producer of sugar. > At the end of the sugar season, there was always a huge celebration to mark the culmination of another successful sugar cane harvest; hence the festival name - Crop Over. > Festival traditions include living music, dancing, climbing a greased pole, feasting and drinking competitions. > The Crop Over festival attracts thousands of people from across the globe. Sources: http://www.accessbarbados.com/barbados_history.php http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/Barbados-Land-of-the-Flying-Fish-324433.html http://travel.usnews.com/Barbados/Things To Do/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_intemational_cricketers_from_Barbados http://www.barbados.org/polo.htm COUPLES RESORTS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_over