5 Landmarks Tied to Barbados’ Journey to Independence

By

Cody O'Neal

November 27, 2024

Since gaining independence from British rule on November 30, 1966, the island has cultivated a legacy of national pride that’s reflected in its heritage landmarks. These sites not only showcase architectural beauty but tell the story of Barbados’ journey to independence.

National Heroes Square

Formerly Trafalgar Square, National Heroes Square is located in Upper Broad Street, at the heart of Bridgetown. At the centre of the square is the Monument to the Barbadian Family, which speaks to the importance of the family unit in maintaining Barbadian society. Also within the square are eleven vertical slabs with an image, name and description of the national heroes of Barbados – including Rihanna, the most recent addition to the island’s list of national heroes.

Golden Square Freedom Park

Officially opened in November 2021, Golden Square Freedom Park is built on the site described as the ‘stomping ground’ of The Right Honourable Clement Osbourne Payne — the trade unionist who encouraged the labourers of Barbados to resist the planter class of Barbados. The square features installations of art from local artists including the 1937 Memorial Wall, that commemorates the Barbadians who were injured or lost their lives during the labour riots of 1937, and the Builders of Barbados Wall that bears the surnames of everyone living in Barbados and those who lived here in the past, with blank spaces representing those whose names have never been found.

Independence Square

Independence Square is located right on the waterfront of the Careenage. The main feature of Independence Square is the statue of The Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, the father of Barbadian independence and national hero of Barbados.

Parliament Buildings

Constructed between 1870 and 1874, the Parliament Buildings of Barbados have been used as a chamber of Parliament since 1874. The Parliament Buildings are among the oldest parliaments in the commonwealth, and within the buildings there is a series of intricate stained glass windows depicting the ruling monarchs from the time of Barbados’ settlement in 1627 to 1870.

Independence Monument

The Independence Monument is located in the Garrison Savannah, where, in 1966 the Union Jack was lowered and the Barbados flag was raised for the first time. The monument was unveiled in 2016 as part of the celebrations of Barbados’ 50th year of independence, and features a depiction of a broken trident on the front of the monument—a symbol of independence also seen on the flag. The monument also features the “pathway to independence” which is lined with commemorative plaques detailing defining moments in Barbados’ history and the lives of significant people in the island’s history. Finally there is the commemorative trident which traveled around Barbados before resting permanently within the monument, which sits beneath the Barbados flag.