Explore Our Isle Barbados - July - October 2014

MAP INSIDE July 2014 - October 2014

Credits Publisher and CEO – Vivian-Anne Gittens (246) 430-5425 Publication Editor – Tyson Henry Advertising Manager – Paulette Jones (246) 430-5412 Deputy Business Manager – Lyle Jones (246) 430-5498 Contributing Writers: Coretta Joe, Tamesha Doughty, Cheryl Harewood, Nick Nunes Contributing Photographers: Amery Butcher, Insight Digital, Danny Fenty, Kishmar Shepherd, Damien Pinder, Rawle Culbard, Celso H. Brewster, Brian O’Neale ADVERTISING Sales Executives – Alison Licorish (246) 430-5552/ (246) 234-5378 Rohnelle Primus (246) 430-5579/ (246) 263-8109 Adrian Ishmael (246) 430 5455/ (246) 236-2556 DISTRIBUTION Circulation Manager – Edmund Holder (246) 430-5500 Deputy Circulation Manager – Adrian Bowen (246) 430-5501 Graphic Design – Imageworx PRINTERS Printweb Caribbean Ltd – (246) 434-6719/ (246) 467-2895/ (246) 434-6713 Explore Our Isle Barbados is produced by The Nation Publishing Co. Limited; a subsidiary of The Nation Corporation, which is a member of the One Caribbean Media (OCM) group of companies.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this magazine is accurate. However, Nation Publishing Co. Limited cannot be held responsible for any consequences that may arise from any errors or omissions.

This publication cannot be copied in whole or in part without explicit permission from the publisher.

NOTES To share vacation pictures or moments, send an email to exploreourisle@nationnews.com. ©2014 The Nation Publishing Co. Limited

A member of The

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OCM Group

Contents Calendar of Events

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Activities Caves and Wonders 11 Island Safari Barbados 12 Barbados’ Best Beaches 14 A Golfer’s Paradise 24

Cuisine The Top Three Burgers in Barbados 27 Eat Like A Local 28 Fresh From The Sea 30

Culture Our Thing! 33 Kadooment 2014 Band Launches 34 The Hidden Treasures of Barbados 36

Shopping It’s Bargain Season 39 Holders Farmers’ Market 40

Nightlife Oistins by Night 43 The Baxters Road Experience 44 Rum Shop Adventure 48

Info Tips & Titbits 50 Island Directory 52 Barbados at a Glance 56

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Welcome

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n behalf of the people of Barbados, welcome to our island home!

Renowned for its white sand beaches with stunning turquoise water, casual and fine dining, world-class golf and warm, friendly people, Barbados has been the premier destination for generations of travellers from all over the world.

By the time you’ve reached midway through this issue of Explore Our Isle, you’ll learn that Barbados is so much more.

We invite you to enjoy the unique gems the island has to offer such as duty-free luxury shopping, and vibrant arts and cultural activities like our local carnival season, the Crop Over Festival.

I hope you have an opportunity to explore our unique Harrison’s Cave, see parts of the island that are only accessible via 4x4 on an island safari, or go for an underwater submarine adventure.

However you choose to enjoy your Barbados vacation, I am certain it will be a memorable one.

Tyson Henry, Editor

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Calendar Of Events

JULY AUGUST

Thurs. 3 Crop Over Festival 2014 Gospel Concert 8 p.m.

Thurs. 10 Crop Over Festival 2014 Pan Yard Lime 6 p.m.

Fri. 4

Crop Over Festival 2014 Sweet Soca & Party Monarch Semi-finals 9 p.m.

Fri. 11

Crop Over Festival 2014 Pan Fusion 8 p.m.

Sat. 12 Sat. 5

Crop Over Festival 2014 - Junior Calypso Monarch Semi-finals 7 p.m.

Crop Over Festival 2014 Speightstown Market & Q In The Community 10 a.m.

Sun. 6

Official Opening Crop Over Visual Arts Festival 6 p.m.

Fri. 1

Crop Over Festival 2014 Bridgetown Market & Roberts Eat Way Opening 10 a.m.

Sat. 2

Crop Over Festival 2014 Bridgetown Market & Roberts Eat Way 10 a.m.

Crop Over Festival 2014 Emancipation Day Walk: Themed Bussa To Sir Garry 4 p.m.

Sun. 3

Crop Over Festival 2014 Plantation Feast Noon

Crop Over Festival 2014 Pan In De City & Cruise To Speightstown 4 p.m.

Crop Over Festival 2014 Bridgetown Market & Roberts Eat Way Noon

Crop Over Festival 2014 Pic-O-De-Crop Finals 7 p.m.

1st Sunday Scenic Tour Speightstown, Farley Hill, East Coast Road 2 p.m.

Crop Over Festival 2014 Foreday Morning Jam Midnight

SEPTEMBER 8

Mon. 1

Jolly Roger Historic Bridgetown Walking Tour 11 a.m.

Beach Extravaganza Dinner Show at Harbour Lights 7 p.m.

Tues. 2

Night Dives on Atlantis Submarine 5:30 p.m.

Sun. 7

Holders Farmers’ Market 9 a.m.

Barbados Karting Association Race Meets 2014 9:30 a.m.

Sailing Calendar 2014 - National Dinghy Championships (Day 1) 10 a.m.

1st Sunday Scenic Tour Speightstown, Farley Hill, East Coast Road 2 p.m.

Sun. 14

Holders Farmers’ Market 9 a.m.

Sun. 13

Crop Over Festival 2014 Pan Pun De Sand 4 p.m.

Sun. 20 Crop Over Festival 2014 - Crop Over Heritage Walk 6 p.m.

Thurs. 17 Crop Over Festival 2014 Visual Arts Festival Evening Of Interpretation Concert 7 p.m.

Fri. 25

Crop Over Festival 2014 40th Anniversary Crop Over Monarchs In Concert 8 p.m.

Fri. 18

Crop Over Festival 2014 Pic-O-De-Crop Semi-finals 7 p.m.

Sat. 26

Crop Over Festival 2014 Junior Kadooment 9 a.m.

Sat. 19

Crop Over Festival 2014 Junior Calypso Monarch Finals 7 p.m.

Crop Over Festival 2014 Cohobblopot 9 p.m.

Mon. 4 Crop Over Festival 2014 Grand Kadooment 8:30 a.m.

Tues. 5

ARK Animal Welfare Society Book Sale 9 a.m.

Fri. 8

Crop Over Festival 2014 Visual Arts Festival Closes

Sun. 10

Holders Farmers’ Market 9 a.m.

Crop Over Festival 2014 Evening Of Folk 8 p.m.

Sun. 27 Crop Over Festival 2014 Soca Royale 1 p.m.

2nd Sunday Scenic Tour Cherry Tree Hill, Little Bay, River Bay 2 p.m.

Sun. 17

3rd Sunday Scenic Tour - Foul Bay, Three Houses Park, Bath 2 p.m.

Sat. 23

Barbados Motoring Federation Events 2014 - Speed Event

3rd Sunday Scenic Tour - Foul Bay, Three Houses Park, Bath 2 p.m.

2nd Sunday Scenic Tour Cherry Tree Hill, Little Bay, River Bay 2 p.m.

Sun. 21

Equestrian Association Dressage Show 8 a.m.

Wed. 24 Beach Extravaganza Dinner Show at Harbour Lights 7 p.m.

Holders Farmers’ Market 9 a.m.

Sailing Calendar 2014 - National Dinghy Championships (Day 2) 10 a.m.

Format: Date, Event, Location

Thurs. 25 Historic Garrison Day Tour 9 a.m.

Sun. 28

Holders Farmers’ Market 9 a.m.

Public Holidays are indicated in red*

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Activities

Underground marvel 10

Activities Contents

Caves and Wonders

Harrison’s Cave

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ooking out over the gully surrounding Harrison’s Cave, the lush tropical forest acts as a curtain to the mysteries and adventure waiting just below the surface.

From the bottom of the gully, beneath your feet lies a vast network of tunnels, streams and magnificent caverns.

Harrison’s Cave has been a go-to spot for explorers for the past 300 years.

Though, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the wonders of this underground marvel were comprehensively investigated and opened to the public in 1981.

Before descent, the jovial and very knowledgeable team briefed our group of nine about the journey ahead of us. A change of clothes is very necessary for the extensive Eco-Adventure Tour, not much of the expedition is spent clean or dry. Be assured that lockers are provided for personal items and clean, tastefully decorated bathrooms with showers are

available for freshening up after the tour.

Elbow pads, knee pads and a hard hat with a light, provided by the tour, are more than necessary for this adventure.

Trained by University of Kentucky speleologists and geologists, the team of cavers readied us for an extraordinary trip inside the geological history of this uniquely beautiful island. After signing waivers and putting on gear, we were taught to properly crawl and make certain to have three points of contact with steady surfaces during parts of the expedition.

After leaving the villa-like style architecture of the multilingual welcoming facilities, we were led down the winding stairs through to the gully floor. With caver Ryan at our lead, the short trip to the base of the gully was intermitted by lessons on the colourful flowers, fauna and formation of the land that led to the creation of this low-lying oasis.

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Activities Contents

Your adventure starts here!

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f you are yet to take an Island Safari Barbados tour, then you are missing out on seeing Barbados in its most natural and beautiful form.

The experience begins the minute you are seated in a specially designed, covered open cab 4x4, skilfully operated by the most knowledgeable and jovial team of drivers on the island.

From your pickup spot, the drivers continually share information about where you are, even as they thrillingly traverse the fields and hills of Barbados that you never knew existed. Upon arrival at the first stop (and possibly before), it will become apparent that the advice to travel with a fully charged camera is not idle talk – you will definitely regret not bringing one.

Centrally located in St George, the various vantage points from the Gun Hill Signal Station provide opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the southern end of the island. And if that is not enough to set the tone for the rest of the

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tour, a nice selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages will be generously on offer, along with light snacks.

Moving along, the tour makes its way to St John through Martin’s Bay to Edgecliff (also known as Monkey’s Jump), where the vista is more breathtaking than the 700foot drop from the cliff ’s edge to sea level.

As the tour proceeds to Bathsheba, St Joseph, through the rolling hills of the countryside, the unorthodox routes being travelled highlight that the drivers are not only knowledgeable about every back road in the island, but they are also highly skilled. It is a spectacle in itself, worthy of commendation, to observe them successfully negotiate every nook and cranny of the uneven rural roads, without causing passengers to spill a drop of their drinks.

Upon arrival in Bathsheba, passengers are afforded the opportunity to take in the views of the surf covered white waters, as Gala night at Holder’s Season they crash against the rugged East Coast

Rawle Culbard

Island Safari Barbados: No Better Way to See Barbados

Rawle Culbard

Explore Barbados’ hidden treasures.

terrain. During this time, there will be an irresistible opportunity to unwind in the warmth and character of the community by interacting with its residents and vendors.

The experience is unlike any other.

After the tour resumes, Barbados’ dramatic landscape along the East Coast takes centre stage as the voyage makes its way towards the north of the island, with the drivers occasionally making short stops for passengers to capture photo opportunities along the way. One such stop is the Morgan Lewis Windmill in St Andrew. Listed as one of the 100 most endangered sites in the world, the island’s only functioning windmill overlooks the eastern coastline of the country and the lush Scotland District.

While most of the attractions on the tour are terrestrial sights to behold, there is one marvel that will need to be felt to be believed. As the tour makes its way through the hillside, away from the Morgan Lewis Windmill heritage site, there is one

hill that, unbeknown to most, can cause vehicles to defy gravity. Upon descent of “Magnetic Hill”, the driver switched the engine off and placed the jeep in neutral, allowing the phenomenon of rolling up a hill to take place.

The well paced safari then makes its way through the northern most parish of St Lucy, where the natural beauty of the island’s remarkable scenery acts as a climax before the buffet-style lunchtime wind down. It is during this time before lunch, when you will witness some of the most awe-inspiring views of both the landscape and seascape of Barbados, from the jagged but stunning Pico Teneriffe coral cliff, to the blowholes and pools at Little Bay. Go ahead and reserve an Island Safari Barbados tour for yourself and loved ones, and remember: the larger the group, the better the experience. There is no better way to explore the island’s gullies, coastal views, rustic countryside and hidden secrets.

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Activities Contents

Barbados’ Best Beaches

Accra Beach

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or every issue of Explore Our Isle, this has to be the most difficult article to write. With more than enough contenders for the top spot, choosing the best beaches in Barbados is quite a task.

Try to include a trip to each of the following beaches while on your stay. Each has its own charm and reason for making the list. Enjoy!

Consett Bay Consett Bay is a gem in its own right. Firstly, note that swimming is not recommended at this beach. Consett Bay is a sheltered bay in the eastern parish of St John. It is known as a fishing bay where many fishermen land their catch of the day. There is a long jetty stretching into the Atlantic Ocean with an amazing view and you can even witness the fishermen at work.

The sea is quite choppy at this beach.

There is a strong current and lots of undertow. This makes it extremely

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dangerous for swimming, but perfect for fishing. There is always a hive of activity with many fishing boats and a fishing village. Here, the fresh fish caught that day are sold to the public.

The rustic charm of this beach makes it a perfect photo op. Even getting there is picturesque. The path leading down the jetty is very narrow and rugged, and should only be attempted in a 4x4. But forcing you to drive slowly is not all bad since you will get to see the waterfall, the stream and lovely tamarind trees.

Accra Beach Accra Beach, also known as Rockley Beach, is one of the most popular beaches among both locals and visitors. Most likely, it is as popular as it is because it offers a unique combination of exciting waves for surfing and calm waters for swimming.

Lie on the soft white sand under a casuarina tree. Purchase beautiful local crafts, jewellery and clothing from the

Activities Activities Contents

Crane Beach

vendor kiosks. Engage in one of the many the island, but this long stretch seems to water sports offered to beachgoers. Ride reflect extraordinary and glorious hues of the waves on a boogie board, swim out to blue, turquoise and aquamarine. The sand is the reef or simply enjoy the cooling water. unbelievably soft and so white that it appears Rockley Beach provides all-day fun for the pink under the beaming sunshine. entire family.

The descent from shallow to deep is Located in Christ Church on the South gentle and there are no urchins, stones or Coast, Rockley Beach is in a central location corals under your feet. Your only company with many amenities. There is convenient, may be a few sea turtles out for a swim. At free parking and changing rooms with any time of the day, Crane Beach is amazing. showers. If you prefer to sunbathe or The relaxchildren’s But at sunset, gallery at it becomes a striking view Barbados Museum with a book, there are beach chairsthe and – the clear sky is painted in warm reds, umbrellas for rent. There are also bars and oranges and golds. cafes right on the beach. In the immediate The water near the beach is calm as it is surroundings, there are shopping centres, protected by a natural coral reef. Further restaurants, sports bars and hotels. out, the current makes the perfect waves for boogie boarding and surfing.

Crane Beach The bay used to serve as a harbour, and Crane Beach is one of the prized jewels on it got its name from the large crane at the Barbadian shores. Without a doubt, it is one top of the cliff that was used for loading of the best beaches here, and according and unloading ships. The Crane Residential to Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous, it is Resort is located at this St Philip beach. one of the top ten beaches in the world.

If you are not staying at the hotel, the (Don’t just take our word for it, check it out public access path is not the easiest. You yourself!) have to descend quite a few stairs. Don’t So what gives Crane Beach the bragging worry, there are places along the descent to rights it has acquired? The crystal clear rest. Watch your step, but trust us, it is worth waters can be found almost anywhere on it!

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Advertorial Contents

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othing makes a vacation more exciting and relaxing than the opportunity to be pampered.

So if you feel the desire during your stay on our beautiful island to soothe, restore and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit, why not treat yourself to a body massage or perk up your day with a nail or facial treatment from Fitness Massage and Beauty Clinic?

Conveniently and ideally located in private surroundings at First Avenue, Fairways Gardens, Rendezvous, Christ Church, the intimate and cosy Fitness Massage and Beauty Clinic has been pampering both locals and visitors for the past 20 years.

Full services include massages, manicures, pedicures; leg, bikini and eyebrow waxing, facials, nail art, acrylic nails and makeovers for weddings or other social events.

Rates are competitive, and the friendly team of proprietress Joycelyn Harewood and masseuse Linda Baker leave no stone unturned in their bid to offer excellent

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Cheryl Harewood

Pamper Yourself

customer care service.

You can make use of the free wireless, high-speed Internet service, and the bathing facilities are sure to make you feel relaxed – especially after a full body massage.

If you prefer to be pampered in the comfort of your hotel or home, that’s no problem. Just make your request known and Joycelyn will personally provide hotel and home visits.

Fitness Massage and Beauty Clinic is open to business from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday to Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Hotel and home visits can be arranged for any given day, as long as appointments are made well in advance. Whether you’re in the north, south, east or west of the island, Fitness Massage and Beauty Clinic is capable of meeting your beauty needs.

For additional information and to book your visit, please call (246) 622-1391 or (246) 250-3864.

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Advertorial Contents

Almond Beach Resort

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estled among lush trees and located next to the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, Almond Beach Resort at Heywoods, St Peter, beckons you to indulge in all it has to offer.

From the spacious, air-conditioned, exquisitely furnished rooms, complete with a four-poster king-sized bed, a balcony overlooking the ocean, plasma television and a variety of amenities; to the tasty, mouth-watering food; vast, colourful grounds; multiple pools and friendly staff, Almond Beach Resort has it all.

Stepping into this stately, architecturally designed resort is like stepping onto a piece of paradise. Breezes from the Caribbean Sea seemingly wrap themselves around you in a tight, welcoming embrace, while the sounds of the birds appear to sing the praises of this property which continues to welcome hundreds of visitors to Barbados.

You can enjoy all that is truly Almond; whether you capitalise on the day and lunch passes this resort offers, check in to spend a fabulous weekend or book your next holiday stay at this romantic, yet family-friendly resort, which also affords you seclusion, a full meeting and banquet facility, free WI-FI Internet services and an enviable ambience.

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Be prepared to enjoy a host of culinary delights, prepared under the watchful eyes of executive chef David Yarde.

Two restaurants offer an array of cuisine.

They are Enid’s Restaurant and Tommy’s Bar as well as The Reef Restaurant and Bar, which is situated just feet away from the ocean. Both restaurants are ideal to wine and dine at any time.

Sunday buffet luncheons are a mere US$32.50 (BDS$65.00) per person, with children under 12 at half price, and those two years and under are free.

There is also a special staycation rate of US$220.00 (BDS$440) per night (double occupancy), with the first child free and an additional US$25.00 (BDS$50) per night for each additional child.

Your stay can be as active or laid back as you desire. There are tennis and basketball courts, a mini golf course, driving range, squash court, road tennis courts and a fitness centre. Arrangements can also be made for more adventurous activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming with turtles or reef fishing. The choice is yours.

Reserve your table or suite at Almond Beach Resort by calling 422-4900 today.

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Photos compliments Almond Beach Resort

Advertorial Contents

Courtyard by Marriott

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istinctive quality. These two words aptly describe the ambience of Courtyard by Marriott Bridgetown, Barbados. Quaintly nestled in the Garrison Historic Area, in Hastings, Christ Church, this is the ideal location for a business trip or weekend getaway.

Vivid and contrasting colours greet you as you arrive in the lobby and smiling associates welcome you, eager to fulfil your requests. Spacious and contemporary accommodation draws you in to a state of perfect serenity. Fast and fresh breakfast is served daily at Centro, or you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere at dinner.

Need to arrange an impromptu meeting?

Let the expert hands of our Food and Beverage team make this meeting a success. Huddle together in one of the semi-private media pods, equipped with LCD televisions or stay connected to the world around you with the complimentary high-speed Internet access available throughout the entire hotel. Plan to sightsee? Use the interactive GoBoard ® to track your areas of interest and begin your 22

exploration.

Still undecided? Here is how we can seal the deal. Become a member of the prestigious Marriott Rewards Programme and earn points for each stay. Our associates at the Front Desk can facilitate this for you.

View our comments on Tripadvisor at www. tripadvisor.com and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CourtyardBarbados.

Let Courtyard by Marriott Bridgetown, Barbados, make your next visit a “A New Stay!”

Activities Contents

A Golfer’s Paradise

Golfing in paradise

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et in a plush, evergreen, relaxing atmosphere, golf has gained a renowned presence in Barbados with its A-class courses that are both suitable for the professional as well as the beginner. Complimenting this enriched environment is sunny weather all year round that allows you to play for hours without recognising that you have been enjoying the addictive sport for an entire day. So be sure to have a few bottles of sunblock lotion unless you plan to get a tan while you play.

Boasting six courses, including the Rockley Golf Course, Barbados Golf Club, Apes Hill and Royal Westmoreland, 24

Barbados is ideal for the golf enthusiast who dreams of a perfect setting for an away-from-it-all adventure.

Although some courses only have nine holes, they have alternative tees, which make up 18 holes. And what helps make golfing in Barbados an even more unique experience? In 2000, the Barbados Golf Course underwent reconstruction to have an environmentally sensitive design done by Ron Kirby, one of the most respected and experienced golf course architects in the word. His aim was to produce a fair, challenging and pleasurable game for golfers of all levels of skill and competence.

The challenges, rewards and picturesque views encourage players of all abilities to play with a high level of determination to sharpen their skills while enjoying the company of their loved ones in a relaxed tropical setting. Maybe these features among others piqued the interest of world golfing champion Tiger Woods and enticed him to wed at the prestigious Sandy Lane Golf Course back in 2004. And, of course, we don’t have to guess what his honeymoon included when there is such a captivating course nestled within the view of the ocean.

Named after the Bajan green primates that inhabit the island, the Green Monkey Course, which was designed by Tim Fazio, is nothing short of luxury when sophistication meets the golf club. If your taste is a reflection of an exquisite style then this course is the perfect spot for you and your significant other.

Diamonds are indeed forever and a golf experience that can be measured up to them will guarantee a stay that promises to exceed the clear skies and sandy beaches Barbados has to offer.

Top Night Spot in Barbados, situated in St. Lawrence Gap. Open 7 days a week. Daily Happy Hour.

Live Entertainment on Saturdays & Wednesdays Monday: 2 for 1 all night Friday: After Oistins Party

St. Lawrence Gap Christ Church Tel: 435-6462

Why choose us over other car rental companies?

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We’re experienced -- established for 40 years Special summer rates!

Modern, well-maintained vehicles Prompt, efficient & friendly service Vehicles fully insured 24 hour prompt emergency service

We’ll ensure your car rental experience is as smooth as Bajan rum punch!

Riding a wave

Dozens of candy, fruit, nut and syrup mix-ins smashed together with your favourite ice cream on our frozen granite slab and served in our famous homemade cookie-dough waffle cone.

Open Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday – Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Quayside Centre, Christ Church Tel 435-1877

Crave Restaurant & Bar is an experience in International and Caribbean fusion cuisine.

A fine dining service at casual dining price.

Open everyday from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Happy Hours from 6 – 8 p.m.

Specialty cocktails available

Riding a wave

St. Lawrence Gap Christ Church Tel: 420-1518 www.craverestaurantbarbados@gmail.com.

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Cuisine

Cuisine Contents

The Top Three Burgers In Barbados

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s you can imagine, and will hopefully find out for yourself, selecting the best burger from among this list is no easy task. That’s why we didn’t rank them. In order to showcase some of the culinary greatness Barbados has to offer, we’ve rounded up the best mix of traditional, eclectic and coma-inducing burgers on the island.

The rising influence of other cuisines and cultures in Barbados has made our culinary scene a veritable playground for whimsical burger making. Without further ado, here are our top three favourite burgers in Barbados. Bon Appétit!

MOJO When it comes to burger innovation, the Chopping Board Kitchen is at the top of the list and continues to ride that crest with tantalising weekly burger specials to tease the taste buds and invite attractive flavours that are neigh unparalleled. La Mexicana is the name of the burger that dazzled Facebook fans. And with a herb infused 100 per cent beef home blend half-pound patty, Monterey Jack and Colby cheese, three strips of crispy bacon and spicy salsa fresca, this burger sells itself as a jawdropping dreamwork of culinary mastery.

The Blue Room McBride’s Irish Pub Even the most ardent, beefburger purists will curl their toes when they sink their teeth into this handmade lamb burger.

Skillet seared to seal in the distinctive lamb flavour, the patty by itself is worthy of commendation, but the marriage of flavours that the toppings provide take it to another level. Served on a toasted bun that is smothered with mango chutney mayo, the sizzled patty is topped with rich, creamy feta cheese that complements the sweetness of the aforementioned condiment, fresh lettuce, red onions, tomatoes and pickles.

A nice beer always pairs well with a big beefburger and the chef at the Blue Room has gone a step further to include a delicious Guinness in the perfection of their 100 per cent all-beef eight-ounce Blue Room Burger. Other than the dry stout in the mix are a combination of fresh and dry herbs that waft a seductive scent when coupled with the onion, mushroom and cheddar cheese sauce that has been topped with a tower of bacon. Topping off this burger are seasoned, battered and deep-fried onion rings accompanied by a creamy tomato sauce, making this burger quite rich in flavours.

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Cuisine

Danny Fenty

Eat Like A Local

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rivate chef Leandro Stuart takes a few popular local meals and creatively transforms them into healthier, even more delicious alternatives.

An exotic fish with a sweet, firm, white, textured flesh, there any many varieties of snapper, all found in warm waters, but there is only one true red snapper.

Snapper

Sautéed Peppers

Ingredients: • 2 fillets snapper • Salt (pinch) • 1/4 tsp. black pepper • Lemon juice • 3 tbsps olive oil

Ingredients: • 3 sweet peppers (diced) • 1 chipotle pepper • 1/2 onion • 1 tsp. ginger root (fresh) • Salt to taste • Sesame seed oil

Directions: Score the skin side of fish (this allows for both faster and even cooking).

Place olive oil in a non-stick frying pan on medium heat. Add fish skin side down, sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook each side for two minutes, turning gently, serve immediately.

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Directions: Heat sauté pan until it is lightly smoking.

Add oil from the edge of the pan; when it reaches temp, toss in peppers, onions and ginger root. Flavour with salt and serve after a light toss for one and a half minutes.

Eating the same food regularly can leave you with a bad case of food burnout. Take a look at how chef Leandro Stuart has imaginatively unearthed the versatility of cassava (a locally grown root plant) like never before.

Cassava Pizza

Crust

Sauce

Ingredients:

Ingredients: • 2 tomatoes, pureed • 1 tbsp. tomato paste • 2 tbsps tomato ketchup • 1/2 tsp. oregano • 1/4 tsp. basil • Salt (to taste) Directions: Blitz all ingredients together, put aside until you have finished your dough.

• • • • •

2 cups cassava flour 3 tsps baking powder 1/3 tsp. salt 1 tbsp. olive oil 1/2 cup water

Directions: To make crust, mix oil and dry ingredients together, slowly adding water until dough is soft but not sticky to the touch.

Roll dough out with rolling pin to about 1/4-inch thick, cover with sauce and choice of toppings.

Bake for 15 minutes at 200°C or 392°F. *Tip: Choose softer cheeses for topping, like mozzarella or niolo, as they melt evenly and are as oily as basic cheddars.

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Cuisine

Fresh From The Sea

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ven though Barbadians love their meat, especially pork, there is an abundance of fresh delicacies from the sea to choose from. On any given day, one can peruse the many local fish markets and can be guaranteed that their purchases are fresh out of the sea. The local fishermen are dedicated to their craft and often go fishing out at sea for days at a time to ensure that the vendors’ stalls are well stocked with a variety of tantalising catches.

from predators, they leap out of the water and fly a few feet above the water’s surface.

So revered is the flying fish that it is depicted in many aspects of Barbadian life.

You can find the image of the flying fish on coins, on the Barbados Coat of Arms and in the Barbados passport. When it comes to whipping up dishes with this local delicacy, the flying fish can be fried, steamed, baked or, less commonly, made into sushi at restaurants. The flying fish might be small, but it is truly the king of fish in Barbados.

Flying Fish

Sea Cat

The flying fish is one half of Barbados’ national dish, cou cou and flying fish. To this day, the island is known as “the land of the flying fish”. You might be wondering how the flying fish got its name. These fish are known for their large pectoral fins which enable them to hide and escape

Pickled or fried sea cat is one of the Saturday fares that visitors and locals alike crave when they visit the various bars, as it is an excellent accompaniment to the famous Bajan rum. An acquired taste, the sea cat is actually a small octopus that is found in the waters of Barbados.

Capturing the sea cat involves removing it from its crevices by using a cat lance, which is a hooked iron stake. To prepare the sea cat for cooking, the head and tentacles are cleaned, and then it is pounded in order to tenderise it, as its texture is quite rubbery.

It is then boiled for a couple of hours and either pickled or fried.

Dolphin Another popular catch from the sea, the dolphin, otherwise known as mahi mahi, is an absolute delight no matter how it is prepared. Most people, however, seem to have a preference for fried or grilled dolphin. The dolphin is sectioned into thick, succulent steaks and marinated in the world-renowned Bajan seasonings before getting the preferred method of preparation. The delicious sides that usually accompany it range from cheesy macaroni pie, to breadfruit chips to salads.

Recipes Fried Flying Fish Ingredients • 5 flying fish fillets • 1 large lime • 1 tsp. salt • 2 tbsps Bajan seasoning • 1 cup fine breadcrumbs • 1 cup flour • Oil for shallow frying Directions 1. Squeeze the lime all over the fish and rub with salt. Allow to sit for half an hour.

2. Remove the fish, rinse and pat dry.

3. Season the fish with the Bajan seasoning.

4. Mix the breadcrumbs and flour then coat the flying fish with this mixture.

5. Shake off the excess coating and fry skin side up until golden brown, turning once.

WHAT TO DO; WHERE TO GO?

Lobster For the culinary adventurous or even the culinary curious, when you eat lobster in Barbados, you can be guaranteed that it is fresh lobster. Some eating establishments in Barbados even let you choose your own lobster from the freshwater tank they are kept in before they prepare it to your liking.

Because they are in fairly short supply in Barbadian waters, lobster is fairly pricey, but totally worth it.

Pickled Sea Cat Ingredients • 1 pound sea cat, cleaned and pounded • 1 medium cucumber, chipped finely • ¼ cup finely chopped parsley • Salt to taste • 1 large scotch bonnet pepper, minced • 1 large onion, finely chopped • 1 large green sweet pepper, finely chopped • 1 large lime Directions 1. In a large bowl, mix the cucumber, parsley, hot pepper, onion and sweet pepper together.

2. Squeeze the lime into the mixture and add salt to taste.

3. Cut up the sea cat into large chunks and add to the pickling liquid.

4. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

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Photo compliments Arlington House

The currency converter display at the museum

Culture

Photo compliments Arlington House

Our Thing!

Wharf memories

B

arbados is a peaceful multinational country with a strong character.

Our people are friendly and helpful and you can feel safe asking a stranger in the street for directions.

Barbados has a rich cultural heritage dating back from our American roots, through the North-Atlantic Slave Trade and colonial rule, right up to the present day.

Possibly one of our proudest moments in this long, vibrant history was when we as a nation became independent from Britain. This joyous occasion happened on November 30, 1966, and is celebrated on November 30 every year.

Although we are young, a mere 47 years, we are a proud nation and our Independence celebrations reflect this every year. If you happen to be here in November, hopefully you’ll choose to partake in some of our national festivities.

One of the biggest festivals of the year is the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts which spans the month of November and showcases some of the best talent on the island.

There are so many interesting cultural experiences awaiting you during your stay here in Barbados; you could go and visit the national museum at the Garrison in St Michael, Arlington Museum in Speightstown, St Peter, and Sunbury Plantation in St Philip for some interesting history and beautiful sightseeing.

While visiting the Arlington Museum, take a stroll around the newly revived antique town; it’s a charming little slice of paradise.

We are a progressive nation with many technological advances and amenities. Our currency is stable and our Government is strong. Barbados is a fantastic place to live and I’m sure you’ll agree it’s also a lovely place to visit.

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Culture

Zulu International

Kadooment 2014 Band Launches

Z

ulu International has already proven itself as a Kadooment force to be reckoned with.

In only its second year, several frontline costumes of its 2014 edition, Once Upon A Time, were sold out within days of its official launch.

A bumper crowd converged at the Barbados Concorde Experience to catch a glimpse of Zulu International’s costumes for this year, after the band gained widespread notoriety for being the Kadooment band of choice for Bajan-born superstar Rihanna.

Seven sections and an individual option were featured. Each costume depicted famous fairy tales with the themes: Forbidden Fruit, Enchanted, Atlantica, Desperate Souls, Royalty, Children Of The Moon and Agrabah.

Fantasy Barbados launched its 2014 in

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a flurry of elaborate feathered headpieces and beaded and bejewelled bra tops, at the Charles Fort, Hilton Barbados.

The three-year-old band will pay homage to the Great Empires Of The World for Kadooment 2014 with sections Persian, British, Virtual, Windies and Hollywood, along with two individual costumes representing Atlantis.

The band has made room for 200 more revellers this year – up from the 400 catered for last Kadooment.

Dragonfly Mas will be bringing the circus to Kadooment this year.

Leader of the band, Rodney Powers, said the product was in the works since September last year and would feature four sections with 12 styled costumes. The sections are Vintage Tamer, Imaginary World, Life Of A Harlequin and U’luv Crop Over.

Insight Digital

Rihanna on the road in 2013 with Zulu International 35

Culture

Y

es, our beaches are pristine, glorious and world-famous. The magnificent Crane Beach in St Philip is repeatedly listed as one of the ten best beaches of the world. But there’s also the spectacular Soup Bowl, surfing centre at Bathsheba, St Joseph; the world-famous Accra Beach in Rockley, Christ Church; the mile and a quarter stretch of Carlisle Bay, linking Bridgetown and the famous Boatyard watering hole with the historic Garrison and the Hilton hotel (all in the parish of St Michael).

The island is also home to the enchanting Flower Forest, Welchman Hall Gully and Tropical Garden, and the Andromeda Botanical Gardens – each providing different views of Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations.

Barbados also has an amazing array of sedimentary rock formations and structural geological features, and the most famous one is the Scotland District in St Andrew.

The highest elevation in Barbados is Mount Hillaby in the Scotland District, 340

36

metres above sea level. Although small by comparison to some of the volcanos in other islands throughout the Caribbean, Mount Hillaby, and with it the Scotland District of Barbados, is the summit of an elongated submarine mountain range that is several hundreds kilometres long. The Scotland District is the only location in the entire Caribbean where this mountain range is above water.

What is often forgotten about Barbados is its extraordinary heritage. Although never the site of European battles, it was the staging post for the European wars in the Caribbean for 200 years. The “jewel in the crown” was the Garrison, with 141 acres of fortifications and barracks, well preserved and now used as museums, offices and home of the nation’s Defence Force. The old military prison is now home to the Barbados Museum, perhaps the finest in the CARICOM region. Under the bastion of St Anne’s Fort is a Cannon Museum, while the parade pasture is a modern racetrack and venue for joggers,

Jennifer Allen

Victoria Gun, Garrison

Amery Butcher

The Hidden Treasures of Barbados

sport and spectacular events.

Historic Bridgetown, with its splendid churches, the ancient Jewish Synagogue with newly discovered ritual bath – The Mitvah – old balconied shop houses, bridges, sugar warehouses and neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings, on the waterside of the Careenage, is the heart of the nation.

But all across Barbados are historic churches and houses, which the Barbados National Trust, the Chief Town Planner and the Ministry of Culture strive to see survive.

From the iconic chattel houses to the plantation great houses like the famous St Nicholas Abbey – the greatest treasure of all – and Sunbury Plantation House, from the abandoned sugar mills to the 50 historic Gothic churches, from the fishermen casting nets to the unique Barbados Black Belly sheep, driving around Barbados reveals treasure after hidden treasure.

The heritage of our treasure island is everywhere.

Inside the museum

Celso H. Brewster

Celso H. Brewster

Nidhe Israel Synagogue

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Kishmar Shepherd

Shopping

Shopping Contents

It’s Bargain Season

S

et on the grounds of the old Brighton Sugar Plantation, Brighton Farmers’ Market, tucked away in the middle of the island in St George, is much more than just fresh produce and artisanal finds. It’s quite the social thoroughfare.

With picnic tables strategically placed under the shade of the flamboyant tree and children frolicking in the play area, foodies catch up with their Pilebucks coffee, freshly baked croissants and even have their fill of early morning sushi before browsing the stalls.

Open every Saturday morning from as early as 6 a.m., it’s best to get there long before the 10 a.m. closing time to get the best and the freshest of all the local produce.

One of the best features at Brighton is that most of the produce on sale is already bagged and priced for the shoppers’ convenience.

The spacious grounds are also home to quite a few unique stalls, whose offerings tempt epicures into trying something new.

Morissa Singh of Marie’s Health Choice was on hand to show her artisanal fare, which included a variety of naan breads, oatmeal bites, gluten- and dairy-free falafel, hummus (including curried and sun-dried tomato) and bol jol salsa. All of these products are also available in supermarkets.

Breakfast options include The Smokery, which boasts 100 per cent Bajan meats, including rump roast, ribs and bacon. Tiki Pies is another delicious option; it fuses traditional New Zealand recipes with a

unique Barbadian twist with fillings such as sweet curry chicken, steak and kidney, and chicken, bacon and corn, which you can have hot or frozen to take away.

Over at Hopscotch Treats, you won’t find the ordinary KoolAid lollies. Owner Lyn Marie Jack’s lollies are made with real, local fruits and they contain no preservatives; these unique, tropical flavours include coconut drizzle, golden apple dream and tickle-metamarind.

What is a farmers’ market without plants?

At the entrance of the market, you can find live plants such as the dwarf golden apple tree, which the owner did not hesitate to mention bears all year round. Gooseberry plants and aloe plants are also available at the stall. Beautiful decorative plants such as the begonia and golden palm plants help to brighten up the atmosphere at the market.

Even your pet is in for a treat at Brighton.

Sue of Munchy Muncharoonies provides all-natural cat and dog treats with beef, chicken, pork, tuna, mackerel, turkey or vegetarian options. Her treats are made with locally sourced ingredients with ten per cent of her sales at Brighton being donated to the Ark Animal Welfare Society.

The farmers’ market experience at Brighton would not be complete without vendors offering art and craft and custommade clothing and jewellery. From its humble beginnings in 2001 as a way to sell surplus garden produce, Brighton Farmers’ Market is now a Saturday morning tradition for locals and visitors alike.

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Shopping Contents

Holders Farmers’ Market

U

nlike the hustle and bustle of early morning Saturday markets, Holders Farmers’ Market, overlooking the Holders Polo Field, offers a more laid-back, easy, breezy Sunday morning vibe. This outdoor market is synonymous with 100 per cent Barbadiangrown organic and gourmet offerings, with sprinklings of complementary therapies.

One of the most eye-catching displays was Home Grown Fresh produce, where the owners use their own resources to do their business. From free-range whole chickens and eggs to home-made pesto, everything that was available at the stall was grown and prepared at the owners’ 40

home in Westmoreland. Besides the allpurpose seasonings, chutneys and other condiments, the real star was the wiri wiribased pepper sauces made with a variety of unusual flavours, including coconut and pineapple.

Over at the fresh greens stall, there was arugula, kale, lettuce, spinach, brocciflower and freshly picked mint and basil abound.

These items are also distributed and sold in supermarkets across the island.

A particularly refreshing sight was Barbara, who was experiencing her first Sunday at Holders. Barbara showed off her beautiful potted plants, which included the usual herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil and

Kishmar Shepherd

Holders Farmers’ Market

Kishmar Shepherd

Some of the produce available at Holders

cilantro. However, her prized plants were the exotic red vervains, known for their decorative flowers, as well as five-finger and soursop plants.

What is truly unique about Holders Farmers’ Market is the family atmosphere it provides, making use of the spacious field.

As such, people can opt to have breakfast and/or brunch as well as lunch at their leisure.

Nasim Degia of Masala Grill, who has been a regular at Holders for over two years, was on location prepping his ingredients and firing up some samosas.

His theme was Goan cuisine from western India. Degia utilises local farmers to ensure he gets fresh and organic ingredients for his signature dishes. In addition, he seeks out local butchers and all of his meats must be halal.

The Market Cafe had the standard fare of coffee, tea, bread and pastries, but upon chatting with one of the operators, it was learned that the milk used was sourced from their own dairy farm – and it was 100 per cent organic. Additionally, the cafe is directly linked to the Great British Banger,

the maker and supplier of traditional homemade gourmet sausages. Of course, the meat used is sourced locally and flavours include pork and apple, pork and mustard seed as well as vegetarian options.

Other food options at Holders included gourmet breads and pastries, such as steak and kidney pie, multigrain loaves and brioche, which adorned the stall at Food for Thought, owned by executive chef and consultant Luc Poirine.

Family-owned business J’s Therapeutic Touch Spa and Holistic Centre was a stark contrast to the wide array of food and produce stalls dotting the grounds of the field. It specialises in deep tissue and Swedish massage and manufactures its own skin products, which include mists, massage oils and insect repellent. The stall also doubles as a sort of day-care facility, where children are kept occupied with educational books and games while their parents shop.

Holders Farmers’ Market, created in 2011 as a means of helping organic farmers in Barbados sell their produce at a fair price, is held every Sunday.

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Rawle Culbard

Nightlife

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Nightlife

Oistins by Night

O

istins is one of the four towns of Barbados, which also include Holetown, Speightstown and the capital Bridgetown. Oistins, however, is different. Located in the parish of Christ Church, Oistins is a major fishing community in Barbados. It is a historic market town that is popular with locals and tourists alike for its famous fish fry and busy fish market.

History In 1639, the site now called Oistins saw the clash between Royalist and Roundhead supporters which was centred around the bid for independence of Barbados from Cromwell’s England. This was a paramount occurrence in the island’s history, and it resulted in the Articles of Agreement that formed Barbados’ own Parliament – the third oldest parliament in the entire Commonwealth.

Fishing Village Every day, you can expect to see fishing boats out to sea. And every day, these boats will bring to shore fresh catches, including mahi mahi, tuna, kingfish, marlin and, of course, the local delicacy flying fish, to be sold in the fish market.

Many of the fishermen today have come from a long line of fishermen (no pun intended). Knowledge of the sea around Barbados and the skills required to catch the fish have been passed down from generation to generation.

If fishing is your hobby or curiosity has gotten the best of you, some of the fishermen at Oistins will gladly take you out with them for the day. They will make a small charge, as fishing is their career not

a hobby, but it is less than the charge for game fishing.

Out on the jetty, there is an unobstructed view of Oistins’ water spotted with colourful fishing boats. Sometimes, just before sunset, you can see turtles swimming along the boats anticipating to be thrown some food.

Fish Fry Every Friday and Saturday night, Oistins becomes a Mecca for music, food and fun.

Hundreds of locals and visitors flock to the Oistins Bay Gardens for arguably the best local food in the island.

Macaroni pie, rice and peas, breadfruit, baked potato and fishcakes, all at very affordable prices, are just a few things on the menus of the many vendors. The renowned speciality is the mouth-watering fish, fresh off the boat and on to the grill right there for you to see. Marlin, mahi mahi, flying fish and lobster are just a few of the options you can choose from.

It is a very casual setting and seating is readily available. There is even a dance floor where you can let the music that fills the air move you. But Oistins is not only open on Friday nights. You can get fantastic food there any night of the week.

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Nightlife

Baxters Road

O

n any given day, Baxters Road in Bridgetown is full of busy people and traffic, just like any other street in The City. But when the sun sets, Baxters Road is transformed into the culinary Mecca of Bridgetown. Starting at approximately 5 p.m., the food fest lasts until the wee hours of the morning, catering to the Barbadian who just wants something different for dinner, the visitor who wants a taste of the local fare or the youngster who just came from a fete and wants a bite to eat before heading home.

Something for everyone Baxters Road is known for its fried and grilled fish more than anything, but there is something for everyone. A quaint little bakery specialising in the good ole Bajan salt bread, fishcakes and the popular bread

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and two, a salt bread stuffed with two fishcakes and an optional drizzle of hot pepper sauce, a local pizza establishment and a number of rum shops help to make Baxters Road what it is.

The fish The stars of Baxters Road are the vendors who prepare and sell locally caught fish right in front of your eyes. For an authentic touch, the fish is prepared on an open flame, giving it that smoky, rustic flavour that makes the food on Baxters Road unbeatable. In addition to the fish, many sides are available for you to choose from, including breadfruit prepared in a variety of ways, fried and boiled; creamy potato salad, thick cut fries, fried plantain, green salads, rice and, of course, the irresistibly rich Bajan macaroni pie.

Nation Archive

The Baxters Road Experience

Nightlife

One spot on Baxters Road that stands out is Pink Star. This little eating establishment has been around for many years and it is famous for the wildly popular liver cutter.

Pink Star’s liver cutter consists of a large rectangular shaped bread that is slit in the centre and stuffed until it is over flowing with stewed liver.

Aside from the liver cutter, Pink Star’s repertoire would not be complete without the necks – the part of the chicken that people sometimes overlook. The chicken necks are stewed to perfection and the meat melts right off the bone.

As the items on the menu are often in high demand, it is no surprise that you are often met with a snaking line outside the establishment and a large group of people on the inside trying to make their voices heard. But this is all part of the allure of Pink Star – where food and authentic Barbadian culture are joined together.

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Nation Archive

Pink Star

47

Nightlife

Rum Shop Adventure

T

here is nothing more representative of the Barbadian lifestyle than the rum shop scene. It is only when you stop and truly take notice of rum shops at night that you will observe that there are always lines and crowds around them. This is not by chance.

You know you’re approaching a rum shop when you hear the cacophony of sounds, ranging from colourful accents and inflections, to the slamming of dominoes and, at some venues, the belting of karaoke sounds.

While the appeal of these attributes to our senses of hearing and sight may make such liming spots distinguishable, it is the way their food stimulates our senses of taste and smell that make rum shops most memorable.

Whether you are a local or tourist, you will find (assuming you haven’t discovered already) that it is inevitable when traversing the island that you’ll spot one of these social hubs, typically painted in vibrant colours with large food and beverage logos adorning their facades.

With great intrigue (and little to no experience), I thought I might give a couple rum shops (and their delicacies) a try. As a newbie, I stuck to the rule of ordering the items that were ordered the most 48

frequently by those ahead of me in the snaking line. Here’s what I found on my adventure.

Headed away from Oistins, just before reaching the Barbados Golf Club, I stopped

by Kermitt’s Bar in Thornbury Hill, Christ Church, and was impressed to discover that this green hive of activity immediately emitted the kind of warmth and character stereotypically associated with rum shops.

From Kermitt’s, my adventure took me further east to the Woodbourne Bar, opposite the Barbados National Oil Company in St Philip.

The queue for food flowed efficiently, but from a distance one would never know this because it always remained long. There is something about grilled food (fish and pigtails especially) that whets the appetites of all and sundry. When I caught the whiff of aromas diffusing from the pigtails and the catches of the day, I wandered to the top

of the line just to observe the preparation.

The defatted pigtails were placed on the grill and slow cooked to perfection while being constantly smothered with a brush saturated with the rich, home-made barbeque sauce.

The searing heat of the open flame caramelised the sauce-coated pigtails in some areas, leaving them with a lightly charred exterior that complemented the marriage of flavours from the seasonings and the succulent and surprisingly lean but meaty pigtails.

If you are looking for a new dining spot with a relaxed vibe, try either of these two or both. According to regulars, the best nights tend to be Friday and Saturday (unsurprisingly), but don’t hesitate to check them earlier in the week if you’re craving tasty, culturally authentic food, a nice cold local beer or a few glasses of our worldrated rum on the rocks.

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Info

Tips & Titbits

B

anking: We have a number of international and regional banks throughout the island. General operating hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are also a wide variety of ATMs around that dispense local currency only.

Safety: Barbados is generally considered to be much safer than several other tourist destinations. That said, don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home. For example, don’t leave valuables lying in plain sight, in an unlocked car or in an open room; also remember to lock your doors when leaving your accommodation.

Business Hours: General operating hours of local businesses and stores are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday with some places open on Saturday from about 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

These hours are just a general guideline as some stores and offices have their own opening hours, which may not comply with the above.

Telephone: Phoning home is very simple, you can call direct to most places in the world from any fixed line or cell phone.

If you need any help, you can use local operator assistance by dialing 0 + Area Code + Number.

Currency: Barbados has its own currency which is pegged to the US dollar at an exchange rate of BDS$1.98 to US$1.00.

You can change your currency at any local bank. However, major foreign currencies such as the US $, the British £, the euro € and the Canadian $ are widely accepted by local merchants and restaurants. Major credit cards and traveller’s cheques in the above mentioned currencies can also be used. Just remember to carry corresponding picture identification.

Transportation: Getting around our lovely island is quite easy and there are several options for you to choose from: • Buses/ Vans – The fare on any of the following modes of transport is BDS$2.00 one way. Do remember that when you are at a bus stop, you need to put your hand out to signal the bus to stop.

• Transport Board buses – these are Government buses. These are blue with a yellow stripe and have licence plates that begin with the letters “BM”.

• Privately owned minibuses – these have licence plates which start with the letter “B” and are yellow with a blue stripe.

• Privately owned route taxis – these are affectionately known as ZRs after the first two letters on their licence plates. ZRs are smaller white vans with a purple stripe.

• Taxis – there are a number of companies and individuals who provide private taxi services. The associated fares are based on the distance travelled and in most

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Brian O’Neale

A taxi stand in Bridgetown.

cases are fixed. You should establish with the driver before starting your journey what the fare is likely to be.

• Rental Cars – there are many perks to renting a car while you are here on holiday.

You get the opportunity to explore parts of the island not traditionally seen by tourists and you have more flexibility in moving around. This can also be a very costeffective option, especially if you are part of a large group. Rental options vary from small cars right up to jeeps and large vans that can hold over six people. Make sure to visit our island directory listings to find a reputable and affordable car rental company.

• Scooters/ ATVs/ Bicycles – if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also consider renting a scooter, ATV or bicycle to tour our lovely island.

Water: Our water supply is completely safe to drink from the tap and is one of the best in the world. This is because of Barbados’ unique limestone make-up, which helps to purify and cleanse the water.

Tipping: Many restaurants include a ten per cent service charge on their bills. If there is no service charge or you receive excellent service, tipping is at your discretion.

Emergency Numbers: Although we certainly hope you won’t need any emergency help while enjoying your stay on our island, things do happen, so please take note of the following local emergency numbers.

• Police 211 or 430-7100

• FMH Emergency Medical Centre, Belleville, St Michael, 228-6120

• Fire 311 • Queen Elizabeth Hospital 436-6450 • Sandy Crest Medical Centre, Sunset Crest, St James, 419-4911 • The Sparman Clinic, Belleville, St Michael, 624-3278

• Ambulance Service Queen Elizabeth Hospital 511 • Barbados Red Cross Ambulance Service 417-2727 Other Helpful Numbers • Local Directory Assistance 411 • International Directory Assistance 711 51

Info

Island Directory Accommodation Worthing Court Apartment Hotel Worthing, Christ Church Tel: 434-8400

Activities Aerial Trek, Hike & Cave Jack In The Box Gully, St Thomas Tel: 433-8966 Black Pearl Party Cruises Inc. Carlisle House, The Careenage, St Michael Tel: 436-2885 Coconut Tours Bayside, Bay Street, St Michael Tel: 437-0297 Island Safari Lower Estate Complex, St George Tel: 429-5337 Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa Maynards, St Peter Tel: 434-8415 SunTours Barbados CWTS Complex, Lower Estate, St George Tel: 434-8430

Art Frangipani Art Gallery Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa Maynards, St Peter Tel: 422-5026

Barbados Museum & Historical Society Garrison, St Michael Tel: 427-0201 Barbados National Trust Headquarters, Wildey House, Wildey, St Michael Tel: 426-2421 Caves of Barbados Harrison’s Cave Welchman Hall, St Thomas Tel: 438-6640 Sunbury Great House Sunbury, St Philip Tel: 423-6270

Communications Digicel Barbados Ltd The Courtyard, Hastings, Christ Church Tel: 434-3444

Complementary Health The Barbados Reiki Association Tel: 428-4186 or 428-4000 Email: barbadosreiki@hotmail.com or touchoflight@gmail.com Website: http://www.barbadosreikiassociation.com

Dining Brown Sugar Aquatic Gap, St Michael Tel: 426-7684

Attractions & Museum

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Banks Beer Brewery Tour Wildey, St Michael Tel: 228-6486

Chilly Moo’s Ice Cream Treatery Quayside Centre, Rockley, Christ Church Tel: 435-1877

Barbados Concorde Experience Grantley Adams International Airport, Christ Church Tel: 420-7738

The Crane Resort Crane, St Philip Tel: 423-6220

H. Jason Jones & Co. Ltd Kensington Court, Fontabelle, St Michael Tel: 429-7209

Austrian Honorary Consul Knowlton, Exeter Road, Navy Gardens, Christ Church Tel: 427-3131

Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Tel: 428-2759

Bahamas Honorary Consulate 102 Husbands Heights, St James Tel: 424-5082

New Century Chinese Restaurant St Lawrence, Christ Church Tel: 420-2822

Consulate of Belgium Rockley Resort, Christ Church Tel: 437-7704

Oriental B.B.Q & Bar Upstairs The Steak House St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Tel: 420-3762

Embassy of Brazil Hastings Main Road, Christ Church (Located in the Digicel complex) Tel: 427-1735

Paulo’s Churrasco Do Brasil St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Tel: 438-6767

Canadian High Commission Bishop’s Court Hill, St Michael Website: http://www.bridgetown.gc.ca Tel: 629-3550

St. Lawrence Steak House & Grill St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Tel: 428-7152

Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China 17 Golf View Terrace, Rockley, Christ Church Tel: 435-6890

The Waterfront Café Cavans Lane, Bridgetown Tel: 427-0093

Embassy of Colombia Dayrells Road, Rockley, Christ Church Tel: 429-6821

The Tides Holetown, St James Tel: 432-8356

Entertainment The Boatyard Bay Street, St Michael Tel: 436-2622 Harbour Lights Bay Street, St Michael Tel: 436-7225

Embassies and Consulates

Embassy of the Republic of Cuba Palm View, Erdiston Drive St Michael Tel: 435-2769 French Consulate Cherry Tree House, Chelsea Road Tel: 429-4546 or Mobile: 262-6238 German Honorary Consul Suite 1, Pasea Financial Centre, Corner Dayrells Road, St Michael Tel: 427-1876

Australian Honorary Consulate 2nd Floor, Cedar Court, Wildey Business Park, St Michael Tel: 434-1133

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Israeli Honorary Consul General Palmetto Street, Bridgetown Tel: 426-4764 Italian Vice Consulate Bannatyne, Christ Church Tel: 437-1228 Mexican Consulate Chancery House High Street Bridgetown Tel: 431-8070

Christ Church Parish Church Church Hill, Oistins, Christ Church Sunday Services: 6:15 a.m., 7:45 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.

Sunday School: 9 a.m.

Tel: 428-8087 or 428-9147 Brethren Ebenezer Gospel Hall Crumpton Street, Bridgetown Sunday Services: 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Tel: 432-0811 or 420-1469 Islamic

Netherlands Consulate 1st Avenue, Rendezvous Gardens Christ Church Tel: 435-6290 Swedish Consulate Worthing, Christ Church Tel: 435-7051 Email: titti@wiit.net Email: swedishconsulat@wiit.net Consulate of the Swiss Embassy 24 Cane Garden Heights, St Thomas Tel: 425-3281 United Kingdom E-mail: britishhc@sunbeach.net Tel: 430-7800 Embassy of the United States Wildey Business Park, Wildey, St Michael Tel: 227-4000 or 227-4399

Barbados Muslim Association Five daily prayers and Friday prayer at 12:30 p.m.

Jumma Masjid Kensington New Road, Bridgetown, St Michael Tel: 426-0117 City Masjid Sobers Lane, Bridgetown, St Michael Tel: 427-1258 Makki Masjid 6th Avenue, Belleville, St Michael Tel: 228-3653 Islamic Teaching Centre Harts Gap, Hastings, Christ Church Tel: 427-0120 Jewish

Venezuelan Embassy Hastings, Christ Church Tel: 435-7619

Places of Worship Anglican St Matthias Anglican (Episcopal) Church St Matthias Road, Hastings, Christ Church Sunday Services: 7 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.

Tel: 429-5733 or 427-7389

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The Barbados Jewish Community Friday evening Shabbat services begin at 7 p.m. and are conducted at the Nidhe Israel Synagogue on Synagogue Lane in Bridgetown, until the middle of March. From the middle of March until December 14, services will be conducted at Shaare Tzedek Synagogue from 7 p.m. The synagogue is located on Rockley New Road, Christ Church.

The museum is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Tel: 427-7611, 228-2102, 426-4764, 428-8414 or 422-1114

Pentecostal The People’s Cathedral Bishop’s Court Hill, St Michael Sunday Services: 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Family Bible Hour: 9 a.m.

Tel: (246) 429-2145 Roman Catholic St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral Bay Street and Jemmott’s Lane, St Michael Sunday Mass: 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Tel: 426-2325 St Dominic’s Maxwell Main Road, Christ Church Sunday Mass: 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Tel: 428-7677

Real Estate Apes Hill Club Apes Hill, St James Tel: 432-4500 Fax: 432-4501

West Mall, Holetown Crane Hotel Almond Beach Village Hotel Grantley Adams International Airport Opening Hours: Mon - Thur 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Fri - 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Sat - 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sun - 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Shuttle Service available from most hotels each day.

The Royal Shop 32 Broad Street, Bridgetown, St Michael Tel: 429-7072 or 431-0296 Medford Craft World White Hall, Main Road, St Michael Tel: 425-1919 Limegrove Lifestyle Centre Holetown, St James Tel: 432-6563

Travel Realtors Limited Holetown, St James Tel: 432-6930

1st Choice Car Rental Worthing Main Road, Christ Church Tel: 434-2277

Services Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 4th Avenue Belleville, St Michael Tel: 426-5041 Barbados Tourism Authority Harbour Road, Bridgetown, Barbados Tel: 427-2623

Coconut Car Rentals Bayside, Bay Street, St Michael Tel: 437-0297 Courtesy Rent-A-Car Wildey, St Michael Tel: 431-4160 or 418-2500 Drive-A-Matic Ltd Lower Carlton, St James Tel: 424-4000

Ministry of Tourism Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre Two Mile Hill, St Michael Tel: 430-7500

Executive Car Rental 9 & 10 Tamkris, Worthing, Christ Church Tel: 228-1993

Shopping

Johnson Tours Barbados Limited Sunny Isle Complex, Worthing, Christ Church Tel: 426-5181

Cave Shepherd Broad Street, Bridgetown Vista, Worthing Sunset Mall, Sunset Crest

Top Car Rentals Ltd Rockley New Road, Christ Church Tel: 435-0378 55

Info

Barbados at a Glance – Historical Facts

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arbados is uniquely blessed with a strong heritage, rich culture and beautiful environment which effectively coexist with a first world worthy infrastructure, stable leadership and progressive outlook. Here are some quick facts about our island that tell a tale of who we are as a people and country.

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The island has a democratic style of Government which is modelled on the British Westminster System.

There are two main political parties: the Democratic Labour Party which now forms the Government and the Barbados Labour Party, which has been in opposition since 2008.

The lyrics of the National Anthem of Barbados were written by American Irving Burgie. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Barbadian mother and American father.

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The Barbados Coat of Arms was presented by the Queen of England to the President of the Senate in 1966 on Valentine’s Day during a royal visit to the island. The Coat of Arms features the national motto Pride And Industry.

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Officially a national of Barbados is a Barbadian, less formerly we refer to ourselves as Bajans.

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The official language is English, but you are very likely to hear the Bajan dialect as your interact with locals, especially in social settings.

The dialect is a fusion of Englishbased phrases and unique West African idioms and expressions, which originated from the slave population brought by the English.

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Unlike many of our island neighbours, Barbados was colonised solely by the British. This is evident in our architecture, street names as well as political and legal system. In fact, the island is often fondly referred to as “Little England”.

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Barbados officially moved away from British rule on November 30, 1966.

This year the island will be celebrating 48 years of Independence.

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The national dish is cou cou, which is made of yellow cornmeal, and flying fish. Try this delightful dish at one of the many restaurants around the island, which specialies in Bajan cuisine.

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Barbados is known to have one of the most dense road networks in the world.

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Barbados has strong historical connections with the Carolinas.

Many prominent Barbadian planters and merchants were early settlers in the area and formed part of the permanent colony established in 1670 in what is now known as Charleston in the United States. This migration influenced the street names, politics and dialect of the Carolina Coast.

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The national colours of Barbados as shown in our flag are blue, yellow and black. The blue represents the sea and sky, the yellow is for the beaches and the black is the colour of the broken trident, which is in the centre of the flag and represents our break away from the British.