Afternoon Tea in Barbados: An English Tradition Lives on in This Isle Known Affectionately as "Little England"  by Marcia Niles
 

Its colonial past is long gone, but there is still a British air about Barbados. The fact that England predominately ruled this island in the sun when other European powers were battling it out for possession of neighboring colonies, might explain the lingering affects of British rule. But not to be mistaken -- on this land of pristine beauty and charm, you'll find a nation with a culture uniquely its own. Taking a break for afternoon tea is a tradition bajans enjoy. When visiting Barbados, you can expect to be served tea, unless of course, you prefer the other dark stuff.

In the capital city of Bridgetown, on Trafalgar Square, (renamed Heroes Square, a tribute to Barbadian heroes,) there is a statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson, the English naval commander. The statue was erected in 1813 here, many years before England had her own.

Many places in Barbados bear British names: Worthing, Oxford, Brighton, Queen Mary Road, Queen Victoria Road, Prince Alfred Street, Plymouth Square, Yorkshire, and Bath, just to name a few.  

The game of cricket is by far the most notable of English customs, and Barbados has produced one of the greatest who ever played the sport: Sir Garfield Sobers -- Regarded as the world's greatest all-rounder, he rose to international acclaim as captain of the West Indies team. Shortly after retiring in 1974, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at the Garrison Savannah in Barbados. He is among the 10 Barbados National Heroes. 

In the spring of 2007, Barbados and other Caribbean nations hosted World Cup Cricket. For more on this event, visit http://www.icc-cricket.com/icc/events/worldcup/

On Barbados, English is the official language, but bajan dialect is commonly spoken. Bajans are often told that there is a hint of the British accent in their speech. The literacy rate in Barbados is around 97% which ranks third in the world. With a highly educated workforce, and stable economy, it's one of the most prosperous nations in the Caribbean.
 

Resources : Copyright 2007. Island Living Digest Magazine. Marcia Niles is the Editor/Publisher of Island Living Digest Magazine, an online publication that celebrates the beauty and charm of the Caribbean.

Keywords : caribbean islands, caribbean travel