National Identity in Barbados

National Identity

Who Are We?

Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean.

• Size: 166 square miles

• Capital : Bridgetown

• Independence: November 30th 1966

• Prime Minister: Mia Amor Mottley

• Parishes: 11

• Other towns: Speightstown, Holetown and Oistins

The National Symbols of Barbados

The Flag of Barbados

• Blue represents the sea and sky of Barbados, while gold represents the sand of the island's beaches. 

• The broken trident represents Barbados breaking away from England and becoming independent.

• The flag must only be flown between the hours of 6 am-6pm, it must never touch the ground and it must always be the highest flying flag in Barbados

The Flag of Barbados

• The three points of the trident represent the three principles of democracy in Barbados -"a government of, for and by the people."

• The flag was designed by Grantley W. Prescod. It was chosen from over 1000 entries.

The Coat of Arms of Barbados

• The coat of arms depicts two animals, on the left is a "dolphin" which represents the fishing industry and on the right is a pelican which is symbolic of a small island named Pelican Island that once existed off the coast of Bridgetown.

• Above the shield is the helmet of Barbados with an extended arm clutching two sugar-cane stalks representing our sugar industry.

The Coat of Arms of Barbados

• On the base of the Coat of Arms reads "Pride and Industry", the motto of Barbados.

• The Golden Shield in the coat of arms carries two "Pride of Barbados" flowers and the "bearded" fig tree, which was common on the island at the time of its settlement by the British and may have contributed to Barbados being so named.

The National Pledge of Barbados

The National Pledge was written by Mr. Lester Vaughan, a former teacher.

The choice of the National Pledge was announced on April 2, 1973. In a competition which attracted 167 entrants, Mr. Vaughan's composition was chosen.

He was awarded a prize of $100.

The National Anthem of Barbados

• "In Plenty and In Time of Need" is the national anthem of Barbados.

• The lyrics were written by Irving Burgie.

• The music was composed by C. Van Roland Edwards. Mr. Edwards was awarded $500 for his efforts.

• Whenever the National Anthem is played all civilians present should stand at attention.

National Symbols

Flora & Fauna

Pride of Barbados

• The scientific name of this flower is Caesalpina pulcherrima

• The flower is various shades of red, orange and yellow.

• The plant can grow as a shrub or into a large tree.

The Bearded Fig Tree

• The Portuguese sighted Barbados in 1536 en route to Brazil and referred to the island as Los Barbados or the Bearded Ones presumably after the fig trees found on the island

• These trees can become incredibly large and are a natural habitat for birds, bats and monkeys

• The Bearded Fig Tree can be found across Barbados especially in the natural gullies that run across the island.

The Bajan Cherry

• Popularly known as the West Indian Cherry throughout the Caribbean, in Barbados, we call it 'Bajan Cherry'.

• Low in calories and containing one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C for any plant-derived fruit in the world.

The Black Belly Sheep

• Barbados Blackbelly are a relatively small, tropical hair sheep.

• Belly and inside of the legs are black. Two black lines (called bars) go down the front of the face inside the eyebrows to the muzzle.

The Flying FIsh

• A streamlined torpedo shape helps flying fish generate enough speed to break the water’s surface, and large, wing-like pectoral fins help get them airborne.

• Flying fish can soar high enough that sailors often find them on the decks of their ships.

• The scientific name is Exocoetidae

The Green Monkey

• The green monkey was initially brought over to Barbados as a pet from regions of West Africa during the slave trade over 350 years ago.

• An Old World monkey with golden-green fur and pale hands and feet. 

• The tip of the tail is golden yellow as are the backs of the thighs and cheek whiskers.

National Dishes

Jug Jug

• Jug jug is a tasty dish, usually served with other seasonal delights like black cake and sorrel at Christmas-time in Barbados.

• It is believed to have its origin in the Scottish dish Haggis, introduced by Scottish immigrants to Barbados in the 1600's.

Cou-Cou & Flying Fish

• Cou-cou & Flying Fish is Barbados' national dish.

• Cornmeal cou-cou is cornmeal cooked with okra and water.

• It is traditionally served with flying flying but can also be served with any type of gravy.

Conkies

• Conkies are a favourite treat for many Bajans! They are traditionally made during the month of November to celebrate Barbados' Independence

• The ingredients include cornmeal, coconut, sweet potato, raisins (or not) and pumpkin and the mixture is cooked by steaming in banana leaves.

• In Ghana there is a dish called “Kenkey”, from which the name and concept of the Conkie originated.

Pudding & Souse

• Pudding and Souse is a traditional Saturday lunch for many Bajans. The souse is essentially pickled pork and the "pudding" is steamed sweet potato.

• Traditionally souse was made using the pig trotters (feet), ear, snout and tongue. Today, many people prefer to use lean pork meat instead.

• Pudding & Souse is accompanied with breadfruit, sweet potato or green banana.

The End

I hope you enjoyed this presentation!