History of Barbados
The Arawaks were the first known settlers of Barbados. In the 1200s, the Caribs, a stronger Amerindian tribe invaded the island and vanquished the Arawaks. In the 1400s the Portuguese landed but did not settle. It is believed they first named the island Los Barbados, the “bearded one” because of the many bearded fig-trees on the island.
In 1492, the Spaniards arrived, capturing and killing the mainly Carib population. The Spaniards later deserted Barbados to occupy larger Caribbean islands. The English landed in 1625. Between 1661-1688, West Africans were captured and brought to the island to work as slaves on the sugar cane plantations. Slavery was abolished in 1834. After centuries of European colonization, Barbados gained its independence in 1966. Barbados’ Prime Minister is Mia Amor Mottley. The country has a Governor-General as the Queen’s representative.
In 1492, the Spaniards arrived, capturing and killing the mainly Carib population. The Spaniards later deserted Barbados to occupy larger Caribbean islands. The English landed in 1625. Between 1661-1688, West Africans were captured and brought to the island to work as slaves on the sugar cane plantations. Slavery was abolished in 1834. After centuries of European colonization, Barbados gained its independence in 1966. Barbados’ Prime Minister is Mia Amor Mottley. The country has a Governor-General as the Queen’s representative.








