An island of festivals, gentle beaches as well as rocky shores, Barbados is the easternmost isle of the Caribbean. Bordered on the west by the Caribbean Sea and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, it is a refreshingly wind-swept paradise; a treat for the senses, and a balm for the soul. The Bajans, the people of Barbados, descend from the United Kingdom and a majority from West Africa. They are friendly, warm, hospitable and considered the greatest single natural resource of the island. First settled in 1627, it retains the splendor of is colonial history while offering a full palette of modern entertainments. Tour a magnificent plantation mansion or go windsurfing on turquoise water. Stroll through spectacular tropical gardens or hunt for treasures in colorful marketplaces and duty free shops. Catch a world class game of cricket or enjoy the view from the 7th hole of the Royal Westmoreland golf course. At night, Barbados pulsates with the rhythms of steel bands, jazz clubs and dance parties on "pirate" ships.

Capital: Bridgetown

Population: Approximately 265,000

Area: 166 square miles. 21 miles long by 14 miles wide.

Language: English

Time: +1 from New York

Electricity: 110 volts, 50 cycles AC, Converters are available in hotels

Geography: Most easterly Caribbean Island at the gateway to the West Indies. 13 degree north and 59 degrees West. Part of the Lesser Antilles. Landscape and coastline are diverse. Barren, rugged, steep cliffs overlook the East Coast that is relentlessly pounded by the Atlantic. West coast with its pristine beaches is gently caressed by the Caribbean Sea. The island has gently undulating hills and flat table land crisscrossed with an intricate pattern of gullies. Vegetation varies from dry fields of scrub grass and golden sugar cane to rich pastureland, lush greenery and ample fruit trees. The island has extensive fields of banana and plantain trees, verdant Breadfruit trees and towering palms. All this within just a few miles. Despite sufficient rainfall, there is an absence of surface water. There are few rivers, streams and ponds. The island is composed of permeable limestone and coral which allows the rainfall to percolate through the ground resulting in the natural storage of excellent potable water in the underground water-table.

History

Archaeologists tell us that prior to 1625 Barbados was inhabited by the Arawaks and the Caribs. When the English arrived the early settlers needed a cash crop in order to survive and they chose tobacco, with cotton as a second crop. However, they realized that they needed another crop in order to improve their economic returns, so they chose sugar cane.

This switch proved to be the single most important event in the history of Barbados, since it brought with it a number of far-reaching changes. Land holdings were consolidated into large estates, and large numbers of slaves from Africa were imported for plantation labour. Slavery lasted until 1838.

On November 30th, 1966 Barbados, with a population of 255,000 gained its independence within the British Commonwealth , and continues to enjoy a stable and democratic system of government.

The Parliament in Barbados which was established in 1639 , is the third oldest in the world, after England and Bermuda.

Geography

Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean chain. It is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide. Most of the island is made up of coral limestone. In the north-eastern part of the island, this limestone gives way to clay and sandstone.

The fertile St. George Valley separates the main limestone terraces from a lower limestone ridge in the Christ Church area.

Barbados is usually said to be flat and low-lying, but from east to west it rises in a series of gentle terraces, and reaches its highest point of about 1100 ft. at Mount Hillaby in the parish of St. Andrew.

Bridgetown , in the south-western part of the island, is the capital and principal commercial centre. Its population of around 80,000 Barbadians makes it the island's largest city. Speightstown, the second largest town on the island is located in the northwest part of the island, in the parish of St. Peter. Formerly known as "Little Bristol" after a town of the same name in England, it was later named after William Speight, a member of the Parliament in 1639, as the town was built on his land. Holetown, is located on the west coast of the island. The town has the significance of being the site of the first British settlement in the 15th century. A monument commemorates the landing and the Police Station in Holetown contains part of the original St.James Fort.

Oistin Town or Oistins in local vernacular , is located in the parish of Christ Church, in the southern part of Barbados. Dating back to 1651 , it is the main fishing port of the island.

Climate

Barbados enjoys a stable climate. The temperature rarely falls below 23 degrees Centigrade, while it rarely rises above 30 degrees Centigrade. With relatively low humidity and gentle breezes from the North-East cooling the island, it is quite the norm to enjoy " a perfect day in Paradise" .

The rainy season runs from July to November. There's also a dry season when minimal rainfall is recorded. That usually occurs in February and March.

Tipping: Tipping is customary. When not included in the bill, 10-15% for a tip is appropriate. Taxi drivers should be tipped 10%.

Shopping: Shops are open from 9 am to 5 pm daily except Sundays and holidays. Most imports are from Britain which includes Wedgwood China, crystal and silver. Of course many other things are available including woolens.

Food and Drink: The most popular food here is lobster as well as other seafood which is caught just off the Bermuda shores. Some of these items find their way into menus in the form of codfish, turtle soup, red snapper and Bermuda rockfish.

Social: Soft drinks are found in abundance. Liquor is also available and laws governing it are similar to US laws. Remember that all alcohol is imported, so prices are a little higher.

Business: Business dress is jacket and tie and the added treat of Bermuda shorts. Appointments are encouraged as many Bermuda businessmen travel off the island a great deal.