Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/09. Modern Nations/02. Americas • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
History of Barbados, sourced from Wikipedia's "Timeline of Barbadian history".
Chronological Storyline (87 Milestones)
Dec 23, 1511 CE
Ferdinand II of Aragon
Barbados first appears on Spanish maps and is referred to by King Ferdinand of Spain as Los Barbudos (Barbados), along with Cobaco (Tobago), and Mayo (unknown). Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (16th century):
Ferdinand II of Aragon, the Catholic By Michael Sittow - Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Bilddatenbank., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4714691
Jul 3, 1512 CE
King Ferdinand mentions that on the
King Ferdinand mentions that on the islands of Los Barbudos, Dominica, Martino (Martinique), Santa Lucia, San Vincente, La Asunción (Grenada), and Tavaco (Tobago), certain Indians called Caribs be captured due to their resistance towards Christianity. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (16th century):
1518 CE
The Spanish crown ordered Judge Rodrigo
The Spanish crown ordered Judge Rodrigo de Figueroa to determine which areas of the region were populated by Caribs. He reported 'Indians have been taken from Los Barbudos, the Gigantes (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) and elsewhere who are not Caribs nor proper to be slaves. Thereafter, the isles deemed to be non-Carib were: Trinidad, the Lucayas (Bahamas), Barbados, Gigantes and Margarita. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (16th century):
1532 CE
Portuguese explorer Pedro A. Campos discovers
Portuguese explorer Pedro A. Campos discovers Barbados completely uninhabited, the island is claimed for the Portuguese. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (16th century):
1541 CE
Spanish commentator Alonza de Santa Cruz
Spanish commentator Alonza de Santa Cruz speaks of inhabitants of Barbados in the past-tense. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (16th century):
1620 CE
Simon Gordon
English Captain Simon Gordon may have first made a brief landing on Barbados. The Portuguese abandon Barbados. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
1625 CE
Courteen dispatched Captain John Powell for
Courteen dispatched Captain John Powell for the purpose of establishing a permanent settlement on the island, but the ship returned to England having not been able to locate the island. (to 1627) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
Feb 17, 1627 CE
Holetown
Eighty English settlers, with ten African slaves (captured-at-sea) aboard the ship William and John land at St. James Town. (to 20 February) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
Highway 1 in Holetown (facing north) close to the public buildings. By CaribDigita - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12376966
Jul 5, 1628 CE
Bermuda
Lord Carlisle as represented by Governor Charles Wolferstone (of Bermuda) establishes a settlement and the capital moves from Courteen's settlement at St. James Town to present location of Bridgetown. Under the authority of the Wolverstone the Governor appoints a Council composed of the main landowners to assist him in the governance of the island. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
Flag of Bermuda By Version 1: Made by Caleb Moore from the Open Clip Art website and uploaded by Nightstallion Version 2: Made by Nameneko from version 1 of File:Flag of Bermuda.svg and version 2 of File:Coat of arms of Bermuda.svg by Cronholm144. - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433157
1629 CE
James Hay, 1st Earl of Carlisle
Forces of Carlisle's employ arrived in Barbados and arrested Courten's governor. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
James Hay, 1st Earl of Carlisle, by unknown artist. See source website for additional information. This set of images was gathered by User:Dcoetzee from the National Portrait Gallery, London website using a special tool. All images in this batch are listed as "unknown author" by the NPG, who is diligent in researching authors, and was donated to the NPG before 1939 according to their website. By Unknown author - one or more third parties have made copyright claims against Wikimedia Commons in relation to the work from which this is sourced or a purely mechanical reproduction thereof. This may be due to recognition of the "sweat of the brow" doctrine, allowing works to be eligible for protection through skill and labour, and not purely by originality as is the case in the United States (where this website is hosted). These claims may or may not be valid in all jurisdictions. As such, use of this image in the jurisdiction of the claimant or other countries may be regarded as copyright infringement. Please see Commons:When to use the PD-Art tag for more information., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6363083
1639 CE
Barbados House of Assembly
The parliament, (the House of Assembly then known as the House of Burgesses), held its first meeting. It was composed of sixteen landowners chosen by the Governor. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
Barbados Coat-of-Arms. Created according to the accepted arrangement of elements in the blazon. Each individual element created separately. By BaronJaguar - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92631680
1640 CE
Sugar cultivation begins on the island.
Sugar cultivation begins on the island. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
1642 CE
English Civil War
English Civil War: Large influx of both English Parliamentarians, and Royalists to island. (to 1651) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
Battle of Naseby, hand-coloured copper engraving By Unknown author - https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/battle-of-naseby-royalist-reckoning/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=186407826
1645 CE
The colony became re subdivided into
The colony became re subdivided into eleven parishes, each sending two representatives to the House of Assembly. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
Jan 11, 1652 CE
The Crown
The Barbados Charter (Treaty of Oistins) is signed between locals and The Crown, of which articles of agreement confirm the Assembly, and liberty of conscience. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
2022 pattern Tudor Crown (plain) 2D By Dgp4004 - This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file:, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157562671
1660 CE
Ghana
Charles II knights eleven gentlemen of Barbados. White indentured labourers (small-holders) are largely replaced by black slaves from West Africa (many from today's Ghana). (to 1680) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
Flag of Ghana By Theodosia Okoh - Republic of Ghana, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343073
Apr 18, 1668 CE
The Bridgetown Magazine explodes, 80 Percent
The Bridgetown Magazine explodes, 80 Percent of Bridgetown (800 homes), are razed in a great fire. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
Oct 3, 1671 CE
George Fox
Quaker leader George Fox visits island. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
Portrait of George Fox By attributed to Peter Lely - Swarthmore College, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4212225
May 1, 1675 CE
First slave rebellion.
First slave rebellion. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
1680 CE
Province of Carolina
White labourers mostly leave, to Carolinas, (Charleston, South Carolina); and to other West Indian islands, especially Jamaica. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
Vector conversion of File:Colonial-Red-Ensign.png based on SVG file File:Flag of Taunton, Massachusetts.svg. By AnonMoos, based on image by Zscout370, AnonMoos - This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file:, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19485377
1682 CE
The sugar-producing planter class becomes dominant
The sugar-producing planter class becomes dominant. They inter-marry with British aristocracy, and buy seats in the Parliament. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (17th century):
1733 CE
Harrison College
Harrison College (formerly Harrison's Free School), is established by Bridgetown-merchant Thomas Harrison. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (18th century):
1745 CE
Codrington College
The Codrington College (grammar school), named after the late Christopher Codrington is established by the Anglican Church. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (18th century):
Codrington College, Barbados By Jay - https://www.flickr.com/photos/jaybock/3490351204/in/photolist-6jqXVu-6jqYfQ-6jqXP3-6jmMyT-6jmMkB-6jmMqn-6jqXZJ-6jqYbW-6jqY4h-7BYchZ-erpuBC, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63446340
1750 CE
Grapefruit
The Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi), then known as the "Forbidden Fruit Tree" is (for the first time), recorded through illustration in The Natural History of Barbados by Welshman, The Reverend Griffith Hughes. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (18th century):
Red grapefruit variety – whole, halved and peeled segment By Ivar Leidus - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=98331782
Nov 1, 1751 CE
George Washington
George Washington visits, making his only journey outside the American mainland. (to December) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (18th century):
Portrait of George Washington (1732–99) By Gilbert Stuart - https://www.clarkart.edu/ArtPiece/Detail/George-Washington, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=591229
1795 CE
West India Regiment
British government establishes a permanent land force in the eastern Caribbean, based in Barbados. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (18th century):
A private of the 8th West India Regiment, 1803 (c) By Unknown author - https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=2018-07-13-1, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=158397874
Apr 14, 1816 CE
Bussa's Rebellion
Bussa's Rebellion, the largest slave revolt in Barbadian history. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (19th century):
Description: Sketch of a flag taken from rebels against slavery in Barbados, after the uprising known as Bussa's Rebellion. The flag appears to stress the rebels' loyalty to Britain and to the Crown while conveying their earnest desire for liberty. British forces on Barbados suppressed the revolt and hundreds of the rebels were killed. Learn more about Bussa's Rebellion on The National Archives website. Date: April 1816 Our Catalogue Reference: MFQ 1/112 This image is from the collections of The National Archives. Feel free to share it within the spirit of the Commons. For high quality reproductions of any item from our collection please contact our image library. By The National Archives UK - God always saves endavour, No restrictions, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20461497
1831 CE
Free coloured men who meet the
Free coloured men who meet the property requirements, are given the right to vote for members of Parliament. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (19th century):
1833 CE
Slavery Abolition Act 1833
The Slavery Abolition Act 1833 is passed, ending the practice of slavery throughout the British Empire. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (19th century):
Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom from 1816 to 1837 used by King George III, George IV and William IV “ Quarterly, First and Fourth Gules three lions passant guardant in pale Or armed and langued Azure (for England), Second quarter Or a lion rampant within a double tressure flory counter-flory Gules (for Scotland), Third quarter Azure a harp Or stringed Argent (for Ireland), over all an inescutcheon, ensigned by an arched royal crown, Tierced per pale and per chevron, First Gules two lions passant guardant Or (for Brunswick), Second Or semée of hearts Gules a lion rampant Azure (For Luneburg), Third Gules a horse courant Argent (For Hanover), an inescutcheon over all three, Gules the Crown of Charlemagne Proper (As Archtreasurer of the Holy Roman Empire), the whole surrounded by the Garter; for a Crest, upon the Royal helm the imperial crown Proper, thereon a lion statant guardant Or imperially crowned Proper; Mantling Or and ermine; for Supporters, dexter a lion rampant guardant Or crowned as the Crest, sinister a unicorn Argent armed, crined and unguled Proper, gorged with a coronet Or composed of crosses patée and fleurs de lys a chain affixed thereto passing between the forelegs and reflexed over the back also Or; Motto 'Dieu et mon Droit' in the compartment below the shield, with the Union rose, shamrock and thistle engrafted on the same stem. ” PINCHES, J.H & R.V., The Royal Heraldry of England, 1974, Heraldry Today. By Sodacan - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10952335
1834 CE
Samuel Jackman Prescod
Slavery itself is abolished, and the descendants of enslaved and liberated Africans, which form the bulk of Barbados population begin a process of making inroads in society. Samuel Jackman Prescod becomes the first person of (partial) African descent to be elected to Parliament. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (19th century):
w:Samuel Jackman Prescod (1806 – 26 September 1871) became the first non-white member of Barbados's Parliament in 1843. He also helped found the Liberal Party, whose following included small landowners, businessmen, and mulatto and black clerks. Prescod was born as the son of a slave mother, Lidia Smith, and a white father, Wiliam Prescod. here seen at w:British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society convention in 1840. Note this is an extract from a much larger painting. By Benjamin Haydon - http://www.npg.org.uk/live/search/portrait.asp?LinkID=mp00069&rNo=0&role=sit#, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4433322
1835 CE
Royal Barbados Police Force
The Police Force is established. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (19th century):
A Nissan X-Trail T31 (Barbados police) By CaribDigita - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12734322
Mar 29, 1861 CE
Bridgetown
The introduction of piped water in Bridgetown. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (19th century):
Bridgetown By Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=414916
1867 CE
The Harbour Police Force is established.
The Harbour Police Force is established. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (19th century):
1875 CE
Imperial Crown
Uprisings (now known as the "Confederation riots") occurred due to efforts by the Imperial Crown to establish a Crown Colony government consisting of Barbados and the Windward Islands. (to 1876) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (19th century):
The British Imperial State Crown viewed from the side with the front facing left (the Black Prince's Ruby, and the Cullinan II are just visible in profile). It was made in 1937 with alterations in 1953. By User:Aleister Crowley (crop and improvements CSvBibra) - File:Imperial State Crown.JPG, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7852308
1881 CE
The Executive Council is created separate
The Executive Council is created separate of the Upper House by an Act of local Parliament. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (19th century):
1882 CE
Royal Barbados Police Force
The Harbour Police Force is merged into the land-based Police Force. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (19th century):
A Nissan X-Trail T31 (Barbados police) By CaribDigita - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12734322
1885 CE
Moves to Confederate isle with the
Moves to Confederate isle with the Windward Islands is abandoned, the capital of the Windward Islands shifts to St. George, Grenada; and the island restores self-government as before. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (19th century):
May 1, 1928 CE
The introduction of The St. Michael
The introduction of The St. Michael Girls School. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
1934 CE
Grantley Adams
Grantley Adams is elected to the House of Assembly. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Barbados. 'Minister Members of the Executive Committee of the Barbados Government outside Government House, Bridgetown'. Photograph No D 77004 Official Barbados photograph compiled by Central Office of Information. Publicity statement on reverse. Location: Barbados Date: 1955 Mar Our Catalogue Reference: INF 10/48/11 This image is part of the Central Office of Information's photographic collection held at The National Archives, uploaded as part of the Caribbean Through a Lens project. By The National Archives UK - https://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalarchives/8022874686/, No restrictions, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=180112018
Jul 1, 1937 CE
British West Indian labour unrest of 1934–39
Riots occur in Bridgetown. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Mar 1, 1938 CE
Barbados Labour Party
The formation of the Barbados Progressive League-BPL. (The precursor of the Barbados Labour Party.) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
1944 CE
Women secure the right to vote.
Women secure the right to vote. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
1946 CE
Grantley Adams
Election: The Barbados Labour Party-BLP, led by Grantley Adams becomes majority leader. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Barbados. 'Minister Members of the Executive Committee of the Barbados Government outside Government House, Bridgetown'. Photograph No D 77004 Official Barbados photograph compiled by Central Office of Information. Publicity statement on reverse. Location: Barbados Date: 1955 Mar Our Catalogue Reference: INF 10/48/11 This image is part of the Central Office of Information's photographic collection held at The National Archives, uploaded as part of the Caribbean Through a Lens project. By The National Archives UK - https://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalarchives/8022874686/, No restrictions, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=180112018
1951 CE
universal adult suffrage
Election: The first election with universal adult suffrage. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Universal right to vote, World By Our World In Data - https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/universal-suffrage-lexical?tab=map, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=185391726
1954 CE
Establishment of the "ministerial" system, with
Establishment of the "ministerial" system, with a cabinet, and the office of the Premier. Grantley Adams was appointed as the colony's first Premier. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
1955 CE
Democratic Labour Party
The Democratic Labour Party-DLP (led by Errol Barrow), was formed as a breakaway element from the Barbados Labour Party. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Errol Barrow candidate of the DLP in 1976 Barbadian general election By Democratic Labour Party - DLP Manifesto, 1976, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=181774854
1956 CE
Election: Won by Barbados Labour Party-BLP,
Election: Won by Barbados Labour Party-BLP, led by Grantley Adams. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Jan 3, 1958 CE
British West Indies
Barbados joined ten other British West Indian territories to form the West Indies Federation, led by Grantley Adams as the Prime Minister. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
British colonies in West Indies and Central America in 1900. By Unknown author - The British Empire Series, Vol. III: British America. Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner & Co. Ltd, London 1900., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46297430
1961 CE
Errol Barrow
Election: Won by Democratic Labour Party-DLP, led by Errol Barrow who becomes Premier. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Errol Barrow candidate of the DLP in 1976 Barbadian general election By Democratic Labour Party - DLP Manifesto, 1976, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=181774854
May 31, 1962 CE
Self-governing colony
The West Indies Federation government collapses due to internal conflicts, Barbados reverts to internal self-governance. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
1963 CE
University of the West Indies
The University of the West Indies opens a local campus at the Deep Water Harbour before moving to Cave Hill. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
UWI campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad. By Grueslayer - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36254377
1964 CE
Legislative Council
The Legislative Council is replaced by the Senate. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Barbados Coat-of-Arms. Created according to the accepted arrangement of elements in the blazon. Each individual element created separately. By BaronJaguar - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92631680
1965 CE
West Indies dollar
Barbados ends its usage of the British West Indies dollar ("WID$"), it is replaced by the Eastern Caribbean Dollar ("XCD$") at par. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Nov 3, 1966 CE
Barbados Independence Act 1966
Election: Won by Democratic Labour Party-DLP, led by Errol Barrow and is the last election before independence. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as used by Elizabeth II from 1952 to 2022 (as used in all his realms except Scotland). “ Quarterly, First and Fourth Gules three lions passant guardant in pale Or armed and langued Azure (for England), Second quarter Or a lion rampant within a double tressure flory counter-flory Gules (for Scotland), Third quarter Azure a harp Or stringed Argent (for Ireland), the whole surrounded by the Garter; for a Crest, upon the Royal helm the imperial crown Proper, thereon a lion statant guardant Or imperially crowned Proper; Mantling Or and ermine; for Supporters, dexter a lion rampant guardant Or crowned as the Crest, sinister a unicorn Argent armed, crined and unguled Proper, gorged with a coronet Or composed of crosses patée and fleurs de lys a chain affixed thereto passing between the forelegs and reflexed over the back also Or; Motto 'Dieu et mon Droit' in the compartment below the shield, with the Union rose, shamrock and thistle engrafted on the same stem. ” PINCES, J.H & R.V., The Royal Heraldry of England, 1974, Heraldry Today. By Sodacan - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10952181
1969 CE
Barbados Community College
Barbados Community College (BCC) is established by the government of Barbados. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
1971 CE
Plurality voting system
House of Assembly changes to 24 single member constituencies. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
May 2, 1972 CE
Central Bank of Barbados
The local Central Bank was established by Act of parliament. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Close-up of the Central Bank of Barbados building, located in the city of Bridgetown. (c.a. November 2000) By CaribDigita - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=130408527
Jul 4, 1973 CE
Treaty of Chaguaramas
The Treaty of Chaguaramas is signed by Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Guyana to form CARICOM. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Flag of the Caribbean Community By CARICOM - Based on image at caricom.org/wp-content/uploads/caricom standard-2.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=535317
Sep 2, 1976 CE
Tom Adams
Election: Won by Barbados Labour Party-BLP, led by J.M.G.M "Tom" Adams Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Tom Adams candidate of the BLP in 1976 Barbadian general election By Barbados Labour Party - BLP Manifesto, 1976, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=181774855
Nov 2, 1977 CE
Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II
At the end of the Queen's Silver Jubilee, Concorde (G-BOAE) made its maiden voyage to Barbados; with Queen Elizabeth II experiencing her first supersonic flight to the United Kingdom. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
First London Routemaster bus RM1650 / SRM3 (reg. 650 DYE) operating London Buses heritage route 9, pictured heading east along Cockspur Street in Trafalgar Square, en-route to Aldwych. The Canadian High Commission building Canada House is in the background. The heritage routes began in November 2005, and this picture was taken on 9 December 2005, the last day of normal operation of Routemasters in London, with the changeover of the last ordinary route using them, the 159, to modern buses. By Jon Bennett - originally posted to Flickr as The last day of the RM, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4546114
Mar 31, 1979 CE
United States Naval Facility, Barbados
The United States Naval Facility (NAVFAC) officially closes at Harrison's Point, St. Lucy after being commissioned on 1 October 1957. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Air view of SOSUS Naval Facility Barbados. By U.S. Navy - Commander, Undersea Surveillance, Naval Facility Barbados ([1]), PD-US, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63355465
1981 CE
Plurality voting system
House of Assembly changes to 27 single member constituencies. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Oct 25, 1983 CE
Caribbean Peace Force
| Operation Urgent Fury begins. The United States, along with Barbados and other Caribbean nations forming the Caribbean Peace Force, invade Grenada removing the communist regime in power in mere days. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Members of the Eastern Caribbean Defense Force participate in Operation Urgent Fury. Includes Royal Barbados Police Force personnel and soldiers of unknown nationality. By TSGT M. J. Creen - DoD photo, ID: DF-ST-84-09830, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1549424
Mar 11, 1985 CE
Harold Bernard St. John
| On the death of J.M.G.M. "Tom" Adams, Harold Bernard St. John becomes 3rd Prime Minister. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Harold St. John, prime minister of Barbados (1985-1986). By Unknown author - BLP Manifesto 1971, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=98808819
May 28, 1986 CE
Errol Barrow
Election: Won by Democratic Labour Party-DLP, led by Errol Barrow. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Errol Barrow candidate of the DLP in 1976 Barbadian general election By Democratic Labour Party - DLP Manifesto, 1976, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=181774854
Jun 1, 1987 CE
Errol Barrow
On the death of Errol Barrow, Erskine Sandiford becomes 4th Prime Minister. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Errol Barrow candidate of the DLP in 1976 Barbadian general election By Democratic Labour Party - DLP Manifesto, 1976, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=181774854
Mar 8, 1989 CE
Parliament of Barbados
The Queen marked the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the Barbados Parliament. (to 11 March) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Barbados Coat-of-Arms. Created according to the accepted arrangement of elements in the blazon. Each individual element created separately. By BaronJaguar - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92631680
1991 CE
Erskine Sandiford
Elections: Won by Democratic Labour Party-DLP, led by Erskine Sandiford. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Barbados PM Erskine Sandiford at a White House News Conference By White House Communications Agency - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/210392852, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=119585121
1994 CE
Owen Arthur
Election: Won by Barbados Labour Party-BLP, led by Owen Arthur Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Owen Arthur By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=414790
Jun 19, 1995 CE
Ruth Nita Barrow
Dame Ruth Nita Barrow, the first woman to serve as Governor-General of Barbados, died Tuesday night after a stroke. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
1999 CE
Owen Arthur
Election: Won by Barbados Labour Party-BLP, led by Owen Arthur Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (20th century):
Owen Arthur By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=414790
2003 CE
Plurality voting system
House of Assembly changes to 30 single member constituencies. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
Mar 29, 2005 CE
HM Glendairy Prison
A riot and fire breaks out at HM Glendairy Prison causing military personnel to be drawn from surrounding islands to put down the uprising. (to 30 March) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
Formerly US Naval Base. After the sole island's prisons at Glendairy, was burnt down by the inmates, this old US naval base was pressed into temporary service. During the hasty conversion, there was a shortage of stock steel in the island. By Kaspar C from Barbados - Cell Block "B" Harrison's Point Prisons-Barbados, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113819267
Jan 1, 2006 CE
Caribbean Single Market and Economy
The Caribbean Single Market and Economy comes into being and is implemented. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
Flag of the Caribbean Community By CARICOM - Based on image at caricom.org/wp-content/uploads/caricom standard-2.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=535317
Mar 4, 2007 CE
Cricket World Cup
The Cricket World Cup is held in the West Indies region. Barbados hosts several of the Warm Up and Super 8 matches along with the Final. (to 28 April) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
Pictograms of Olympic sports - Cricket. This is unofficial sample picture. Images of official Olympic pictograms for 1948 Summer Olympics and all Summer Olympics since 1964 can be found in corresponding Official Reports. By Thadius856 (SVG conversion) & Parutakupiu (original image) - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3335023
Jan 15, 2008 CE
David Thompson
Election: Won by Democratic Labour Party-DLP, led by David Thompson Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
CARTAGENA/COLOMBIA, 8 APRIL 2010 - David John Howard Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados, in the TV Debate New Horizons for Haiti, at the World Economic Forum on Latin America 2010 in Cartagena Convention Center from 6 - 8 April. By Copyright by World Economic Forum . Photo by Edgar Alberto Domínguez Cataño (editorgeneral@fotoeditores.com) - originally posted to Flickr as David John Howard Thompson - World Economic Forum on Latin America 2010, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77779950
Jan 31, 2010 CE
Prince Harry
UK's Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho hosted the Sentebale Charity Polo Event in Barbados. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
Zuiderpark, Den Haag. 09 mei 2019Prins Harry stapte de Invictus Games 2020 officieel af. Vanaf nu, over een jaar mei 2020 zijn de Invictus Games 2020 in het Zuiderpark te Den Haag en Eindhoven.Foto: Prins Harry By Ministerie van Defensie - https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/invictus-games/invictus-games-2022-in-nederland, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=111634660
Jun 25, 2011 CE
World Heritage Site
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison were added as a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
Globally-used UNESCO World Heritage logo By UNESCO; Designer: Michel Olyff. Uploaded by Siyuwj - https://www.unesco.org https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2023/10/outside_toolkit_20221129_eng.pdf https://whc.unesco.org/en/documents/117045 https://whc.unesco.org/document/117045, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33603353
Feb 1, 2013 CE
Freundel Stuart
Election: Won by Democratic Labour Party-DLP, led by Freundel Stuart Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
Freundel Stuart By International Telecommunication Union - https://www.flickr.com/photos/itupictures/24465403009, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52425193
Dec 5, 2017 CE
European Union
The EU publishes a blacklist of 17 Non-EU jurisdictions, Barbados included, who are accused of offering tax avoidance schemes. Barbados would be later removed. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
The Flag of Europe is the flag and emblem of the European Union (EU) and Council of Europe (CoE). It consists of a circle of 12 golden (yellow) stars on a blue background. It was created in 1955 by the CoE and adopted by the EU, then the European Communities, in the 1980s. The CoE and EU are distinct in membership and nature. The CoE is an international organisation with 46 members, dealing with human rights and rule of law, while the EU is a quasi-federal union of 27 states, focused on economic integration and political cooperation. Today, the flag is mostly associated with the latter. It was the intention of the CoE that the flag should come to represent Europe as a whole, and since its adoption the membership of the CoE covers nearly the entire Europe by the number of states involved, although only a little over half of the European continent by territory. This is why the EU adopted the same flag. The flag has been used to represent Europe in sporting events and as a pro-democracy banner outside the European Union. By User:Verdy p, User:-xfi-, User:Paddu, User:Nightstallion, User:Funakoshi, User:Jeltz, User:Dbenbenn, User:Zscout370 - File created by various Wikimedia users (see "Author"). File based on the specification given at [1]., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2615952
May 24, 2018 CE
Mia Mottley
Election: Won by Barbados Labour Party-BLP, led by Mia Mottley, party won all 30 seats of Parliament. Mottley becomes the first female Prime Minister of Barbados. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
Presidente da República, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, com a Primeira-Ministra de Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, durante a recepção oficial dos Chefes de Delegação da Cúpula do Clima (COP30). Parque da Cidade – Belém (PA) Foto: Ricardo Stuckert / PR By Lula Oficial - 06.11.2025 – Recepção Oficial dos Chefes de Delegação da Cúpula do Clima, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=180967134
Mar 17, 2020 CE
SARS-CoV2
The SARS-CoV2 pandemic was confirmed to have reached Barbados with the announcement of the first two cases. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
This colorized transmission electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2—also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19—isolated from a patient in the U.S. Virus particles are shown emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab. The protruding capsid structures (so-called Spike protein) of the virus give these viruses their name, corona being the Latin term for crown By NIAID-RML (https://www.niaid.nih.gov/ & https://www.niaid.nih.gov/about/rocky-mountain-laboratories) - https://www.flickr.com/photos/niaid/49534865371/ (flikr), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92612457
Apr 9, 2021 CE
La Soufrière
La Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent begins erupting, leading to two weeks of ash fall over Barbados followed by gov't led national cleanup. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
La Soufrière By Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=408459
Jan 19, 2022 CE
Mia Mottley
Election: Won by Barbados Labour Party-BLP, led by Mia Mottley, party won all 30 seats of Parliament for a consecutive time. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
Presidente da República, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, com a Primeira-Ministra de Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, durante a recepção oficial dos Chefes de Delegação da Cúpula do Clima (COP30). Parque da Cidade – Belém (PA) Foto: Ricardo Stuckert / PR By Lula Oficial - 06.11.2025 – Recepção Oficial dos Chefes de Delegação da Cúpula do Clima, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=180967134
Jun 1, 2024 CE
ICC World Twenty20
Several nations in the West Indies and the United States of America, host the ICC World Twenty20 event, this included the finals held in Barbados. (to 29 June) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
Pictograms of Olympic sports - Cricket. This is unofficial sample picture. Images of official Olympic pictograms for 1948 Summer Olympics and all Summer Olympics since 1964 can be found in corresponding Official Reports. By Thadius856 (SVG conversion) & Parutakupiu (original image) - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3335023
Oct 1, 2025 CE
CARICOM
CARICOM implements full free movement between four of its member countries, Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines under the Enhanced Cooperation Protocol to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas as another step towards regional integration. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
Flag of the Caribbean Community By CARICOM - Based on image at caricom.org/wp-content/uploads/caricom standard-2.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=535317
Feb 11, 2026 CE
Mia Mottley
Election: Won by Barbados Labour Party-BLP, led by Mia Mottley, party won all 30 seats of Parliament for a 3rd time in a row. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Barbadian history" (21st century):
Presidente da República, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, com a Primeira-Ministra de Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, durante a recepção oficial dos Chefes de Delegação da Cúpula do Clima (COP30). Parque da Cidade – Belém (PA) Foto: Ricardo Stuckert / PR By Lula Oficial - 06.11.2025 – Recepção Oficial dos Chefes de Delegação da Cúpula do Clima, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=180967134
