World Country Guide

History and Government

History
Little is known of the early history of Barbados – it was probably occupied by Arawak Indians from South America up until the arrival of the Spanish, in the region in the early-16th century. The earliest European arrivals were the Portuguese - also in the early-16th century - although the British established the first settlements in 1627. Barbados was declared a British colony in 1663. Slaves were brought to the island from Africa, to work on the sugar plantations until the abolition of slavery in the mid-19th century. Barbados joined the West Indies Federation in 1958 and was granted internal self-government three years later. Full independence within the British Commonwealth was achieved in 1966.

Politics on the island have since been dominated by the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) – formed by Grantley Adams in 1937 – and the rival Democratic Labour Party (DLP), which began life after a split in the BLP. The two parties have alternated between government and opposition since independence. The DLP’s most recent term of office ended in 1994, after eight years in charge. Since then, the BLP has been pre-eminent. At the most recent general election, held in January 1999, the BLP won an overwhelming victory, taking 26 of the 28 House of Assembly seats.

Barbados participates in CARICOM (the Caribbean Common Market) and the US-backed Regional Security System, set up following the 1983 US invasion of Grenada. Barbados backed the invasion, committing some of its own troops to the occupying force. More recently, the island has acquired a problem with drug trafficking, as the Caribbean islands have become important transit points between South and North America. The government is also one of the main proponents of further regional integration, despite the trade and political frictions that have inhibited it. As with most Caribbean members of the British Commonwealth, the Queen is Head of State in Barbados. However, there is a strong lobby – backed by a recent government commission examining Barbados’ constitutional future – for an elected president as Head of State. This would follow the example of Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and Dominica.

Government
The British monarch is Head of State and is represented in Barbados by a Governor General who is advised by the Cabinet and appoints the Prime Minister. The legislature comprises the Governor General, a 21-member Senate and the 28-strong House of Assembly, members of which are elected by universal adult suffrage for terms of up to five years.