You’ve Survived This Long, My Dear

You’ve Survived This Long, My Dear 

For fifty-one years you’ve survived this freedom,

From the Englishmen you’ve created your own.

Pristine, blue seas you behold the unknown,

Sandy, white beaches we all know.

Beautiful creatures nest within you,

Colorful flowers bear your fruit.

Your birthday is held on the 30th of November,

Yet you’ve birthed eleven kids and more.

No one can replace your luscious beauty,

Nor your everlasting taste,

In food, culture, talent and grace.

You’ve produced honorable heroes,

This youth needs to stand by.

May you continue to rein from this day forward,

With many blessings coming your way.

Happy Birthday Barbados and to all,

A blessed Independence Day.

     The independence of Barbados has strived from 1966 til now. She has been the home to to many honorable heroes. These heroes fought for the rights of humans not only their own but for slaves in general. Their successes go on without being unknown as Barbadians all around the world celebrate independence for Barbados. The story of Barbados starts with Columbus, when discovered the Caribbean. Slaves were taken from the Arawaks and Caribs that inhabited the island. Columbus brought the slaves to work in fields of sugar cane and to do housework. Luckily, after years of torture Errol Walton Barrow came and plead for the release of the slaves. That is when Barbados broke away from England and established their own colony. Barbados is most fond of its sugar cane as there fields of it laying on the island’s landscape. Here are a few things you need to know about the gem of the Caribbean sea, Barbados.

         Cou Cou and Flying Fish is a combined meal of  cornmeal and okras partnered with a filleted flying fish. This is Barbados’ National Dish:

       This is Barbados’ national flower. The vibrant red color to me represents the love and war of the island. The strength and unity of is people. The island’s beauty that nourishes the landscape and shines over neighboring countries.

         Crop Over is a festival celebrated in May-August with colorful costumes, soca music and fun spread around with the spirit of the harvest of sugar cane ending.

          The Coat of Arms is symbolic to Barbados as it shows the Flying Fish and Pelican their known for. There was once an island just off the coast of Barbados that was called Pelican Island.  Also their motto “Pride and Industry”. Pride stands for the freedom from England and their independence. Industry means the sugar cane produced in Barbados which is bountiful in supply.  

Without heroes Barbados would be strangled by the wrath of the English. Fighting for breath but never being given space. To create children nor a future. Trying to survive the flames laid across their skin like acid on fur. The burning orders placed on withering hands from being overworked. The Lord has kept this little gem for many years and will continue for many more. From all Barbadians we say thank to our heroes for giving us a chance to living yet another day.  

National Anthem of Barbados

In plenty and in time of need
When this fair land was young
Our brave forefathers sowed the seed
From which our pride is sprung
A pride that makes no wanton boast
Of what it has withstood
That binds our hearts from coast to coast
The pride of nationhood

Chorus
We loyal sons and daughters all
Do hereby make it known
These fields and hills beyond recall
Are now our very own
We write our names on history’s page
With expectations great
Strict guardians of our heritage
Firm craftsmen of our fate

The Lord has been the people’s guide
For past three hundred years
With him still on the people’s side
We have no doubts or fears
Upward and onward we shall go
Inspired, exulting, free
And greater will our nation grow
In strength and unity

Lyrics by: Irving Burgie