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JAM | Nov 30, 2022

Happy Independence Day, Barbados!

Shemar-Leslie Louisy

Shemar-Leslie Louisy / Our Today

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Reading Time: 2 minutes
Barbados Flag

Today (November 30) is the 56th anniversary of Barbados’ Independence from English rule.

In the national flag, the two bands of blue stand for the ocean and the sky. The golden middle band represents the sand and the black trident head, commonly called the broken trident, is centred in the golden band.

The trident symbol was taken from Barbados’ colonial badge where the trident of Poseidon is shown with Britannia holding it.

Badge of Barbados

The broken lower section symbolises a break from its status as a colony and the three points of the trident represent the three principles of democracy: government of the people, government for the people, and government by the people.

Typically referred to by natives as ‘Bim’, ‘Bimshire’ or ‘De Rock’, Barbados is the only coral island in the Caribbean. The name comes from ‘Los Barbados’ which means “bearded ones” which comes from the appearance of fig trees that were once abundant on the island.

Today is also the one-year anniversary of Barbados becoming the fourth country in the English-speaking Caribbean to become a republic, joining Guyana, Trinidad, and Dominica.

Bajan singer Rihanna

Famous singers from the island include: Rihanna, Alison Hinds, Lil Rick, Red Plastic Bag and Peter Ram.

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