Evolution of Political Systems in Barbados

In what year was Barbados colonised?

• 1624

• 1625

• 1626

• 1627

Answer explanation

Barbados was colonised in 1627 in the name of Charles I.

List the 6 original parishes of Barbados in 1629

Answer explanation

In 1629, Barbados was divided into six parishes. These were: Christ Church, Saint Michael, Saint James, Saint Thomas, Saint Peter and Saint Lucy.

In what year was Barbados divided into its current 11 parishes?

• 1639

• 1645

• 1655

• 1670

Answer explanation

Barbados was divided into the present 11 parishes in 1645. Each parish thereafter chose two representatives for the House of Assembly.

What was the name of the first speaker of the House of Assembly in 1652?

• Col. Thomas Modyford

• Sir James Hay

• Governor Charles Wolverstone

• John Brathwaite Esquire

Answer explanation

Col. Thomas Modyford was elected in 1652 as the first Speaker of the House of Assembly.

What was the name of the first coloured man to sit in the House of Assembly

• Sir Conrad Reeves

• Dr. Charles Duncan O'neal

• Samuel Jackman Prescod

• Mr. Wynter Crawford

Answer explanation

In 1843, Samuel Jackman Prescod, the first coloured man to sit in the House, was one of two members elected to the House of Assembly for the new constituency of the City of Bridgetown.

In which year was the House of Assembly established?

• 1629

• 1631

• 1639

• 1645

Answer explanation

Sixteen land-owners were chosen in 1639 to constitute the House of Burgesses, soon to become the House of Assembly.

Who was the Founder of the Democratic League of Barbados?

• Sir Conrad Reeves

• Mr. Wynter Crawford

• Sir Grantley Adams

• Dr. Charles Duncan O'neal

Answer explanation

In 1924, the Democratic League of Barbados, a pioneering black political group, was founded by Dr. Charles Duncan O'Neal, its first President, who was also Founder and Patron of the Barbados Working Men's Association. Dr. O'Neal represented the City of Bridgetown in the House of Assembly during 1932-36.

Name the first woman member appointed to the Legislative Council in 1948.

Answer explanation

In 1948, Mrs. Muriel Hanschell was appointed to the Legislative Council, the first woman member of either House.

 

What was the name of the first woman to be elected as a member of the House of Assembly after the general election in 1951?

Answer explanation

Dame Edna Ermyntrude Bourne, D.A., was the first woman to be elected as a member of the House of Assembly. She represented St. Andrew until 1961. The highway on the East Coast bears her name.

Who was elected to be the first Premier of Barbados in 1954?

Answer explanation

Ministerial government commenced on February 1, 1954. Sir Grantley Adams was the first Premier.