Explore Our Isle Barbados July 2010

© D. YURMAN 2010

Credits

Publisher - Vivian-Anne Gittens (246) 430-5425 EDITORIAL Publication Editor - Eva Marshall (246) 266-8028 Copy Editor – Valerie Hope (246) 430-5589 Project Lead Designer – Ashif Nakhuda Graphic Artist – Delandro Taylor Contributing Writers: Talitha Forde, Eva Marshall, Paulette Jones,

Hermina Charlery, Tracy Moore, Valerie Hope Contributing Photographers: Insight Digital, Brian O’Neale, Charleston Selman Cover Photo - Corrie Scott ADVERTISING Advertising Manager –Paulette Jones (246) 430-5412 Sales Executives • Alison Licorish (246) 430-5552/ (246) 234-5378 • Pamela Alleyne (246) 430-5560/ (246) 262-3464 • Eva Marshall (246) 266-8028 DISTRIBUTION Circulation Manager – Edmund Holder (246) 430-5500 Circulation Executive – Goldburn Weekes (246) 430-5501 MARKETING Marketing Manager – Valerie Hope 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, the 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. ©2010 Nation Publishing Co. Limited 2

Contents

Calender of Events 10 Culture 12 Old Bridgetown 14 The Origins of Crop Over 20 Grand Kadooment 22

Shopping 24 Duty Free Shopping 26

Real Estate 28 Real Estate in Barbados 30 Island Property 32

Cuisine 34 Local Fruits with Great Benifits 38 Cou Cou and Flying Fish 42

Activites 44 46 48 52 54 Family Fun 56 Weddings in Paradise 62

Golf Interview: Ryan Rodriguez Water Activities Top Beaches in Barbados

Tips & Tidbits 64 Island Directory 66 3

Welcome

Explore our isle Barbados!

‘Hearty’ is an old Bajan (Barbadian) term which in this context means a genuine greeting coming from a big heart. Very soon you will realise that Barbadians have big hearts and are always ready to welcome guests to the shores of an island that is 430 square kilometres or 166 square miles in size.

In this small package you will find everything to give you the experience of a lifetime. We are kind and gracious hosts. There is great accommodation here, high-quality rooms to fit almost every pocket.

White sandy beaches; crystal-clear water; a wide variety of great Zagat-rated restaurants; good duty-free shopping; amazing historical and natural attractions; a rich cultural heritage; excellent tours on the road, off the road, through the air and in the water; a modern road network; an abundance of places of worship and excellent telecommunication services – just a few of the things that will allow for a fantastic stay.

As a small island nation we are aware of the challenges posed by changing climate patterns. We encourage you to partner with us in taking care of our resources. You can help by turning off the air conditioning when your balcony door is open or when you leave the room, turning off lights when they are not in use and following the environmental tips that you will see in various locations across the island.

Finally, we like to hear the views of our guests. Share your thoughts with the manager of your hotel or guest house. In this way we can keep improving the experience that we share with other guests, and with you when you return.

Have a great time! Experience paradise!

Colin Jordan President of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association

4

From the Publisher

Welcome

Explore our Isle Barbados is our new and improved tourist publication which replaces our former publication, Friends magazine. Consider Explore - as we like to call it, your allinclusive pass to all things Barbados.

We are excited for you to experience not only our new product but our magnificent island.

I encourage you to explore it in all its splendour. Barbados is not only about sun, sea and sand but about people and culture. Delve into our rich heritage, chat with our friendly people and discover a country that has captivated visitors for centuries- Barbados is yours for the taking- embrace it and it will surely embrace you.

Whether you are here on vacation, business or visiting family or friends, take the time to unwind in our many places of interest. There are numerous restaurants, both casual and fine dining. However, it is our unique Bajan cuisine which is sure to tantalize the palate. Be sure to try our national dish Cou-Cou and Flying Fish, and sample our world-renowned rum.

Also on your agenda should be water sports, guided tours and adventure-inspired activities such as hiking, cycling and off-road excursions.

Our local calypso music is sure to also give you that special “island� feeling, which cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. You will be fortunate to experience this firsthand if you are here during our Crop Over season. A kaleidoscope of colour, dance and revelry, Crop Over is Barbados at its liveliest. If you prefer quiet moments, a cool walk on one of our pristine beaches or on our beautiful boardwalks on the South and West Coasts of the island should do the trick.

Whatever you choose to do in Barbados, be safe and enjoy it to the fullest.

Again, on behalf of the management and staff here at The Nation Publishing Co. Limited, welcome to Barbados and do enjoy your stay.

Vivian-Anne Gittens Publisher and CEO Nation Publishing Co. Ltd.

6

My Barbados

My Barbados

M

y Barbados is a small rock jutting out of the ocean with the calm, pristine Caribbean Sea lapping on the West and the churning, adventurous Atlantic raging on the East.

Between these two conflicting coasts is an island of caves and gullies, of mahogany forests and bustling towns, of white sandy beaches and hundred-year-old Royal

Palms. It’s a place full of life, excitement and vigour, but also a place of peace and tranquility, where people come to from all over the world to relax and breathe easy.

It’s an island of history and progress, where past and present meet on the sidewalks of Bridgetown to reminisce and exchange new ideas.

Like most small communities, Barbadian residents are intricately linked by many generations and you’re bound to be connected somehow to the person you just bumped into randomly on the street.

I remember being a young teenager and itching to get off “The Rock” and go to a big country and city, to see the sights and experience the wider world. I was anxious to meet a new person and not be confronted with, “Your last name’s Marshall? Do you know such-and-such? I went to school with so-and-so Marshall, are you related to him/her? Oh, I know your mother/father/grandfather/third cousin” or something to that effect.

But here’s the thing about small communities such as ours; you’re never just a number or a name or another statistic, you’re somebody, you’re related to suchand-such and so-and-so and everybody knows who you are and as it turns out, that’s not such a bad thing. It’s like a big welcoming hug, an acknowledgement just to say, “Yes, you matter”. It’s like that old TV show “Cheers”, “Where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came”.

My name is Eva Marshall; that’s My Barbados and I’m really glad you’ve come to visit.

Calendar Of Events

Sun. 1, Cohobblopot

National Stadium Sun. 1, Hike Barbados

Lodge School

Mon. 2 (National Holiday),

Crop Over Festival

Grand Kadooment

Warrens to

Spring Garden Highway Sat. 7, United Insurance

Barbados Derby

The Garrison Savannah Sun. 8, Hike Barbados

Archer’s Bay

SEPTEMBER

Sun. 5, Hike Barbados

Foul Bay Sun. 9-19,

AIBA World Women’s Boxing

Championship Sun. 12, Hike Barbados

Turners Hall Woods

Charleston Selman

AUGUST OCTOBER 10

Sun. 1 (Emancipation Day),

Crop Over Festival

Bridgetown Market

Spring Garden Highway

Sun. 19, Hike Barbados

Bath Beach

Sun. 3, Hike Barbados

Spring Hall Sun. 10, Hike Barbados

Codrington’s College Sun. 10, National Triathlon

Championships

Spring Garden

Sun. 10, The Barbados Kennel

Club’s All Breed

Championship Dog Show

Waterford Plantation Fri. 15 to Sun. 17,

Sagicor Run for Life Weekend Sun. 17, Hike Barbados

Gun Hill

Sun. 29, Williams Industries Inc.

International Race Meet

& B’dos Auto Racing

League Championship

Bushy Park

Sun. 15, Hike Barbados

Hayman’s Old Sugar Factory Sun. 15 to Sat. 21,

Banks Hockey Festival

Various Venues

Friday’s and Sunday’s, Oistin’s Fish Fry

Sun. 22, Hike Barbados

Carrington’s Old Sugar Factory Sun. 29, Hike Barbados

Barclays Park

Sun. 19, National Dinghy

Championships Sun. 26, Hike Barbados

Bulkeley Plantation Charleston Selman

Friday’s and Sunday’s, Oistin’s Fish Fry

Sun. 17-24, Lifetime Achievement

Award in the Visual Arts

Exhibition

Frank Collymore Hall

Charleston Selman

Tue. 19 to Sat. 23-Sun, Sea and Slams International Bridge Festival

Format: Date, Event, Location

Sun. 24, Hike Barbados

Haggatts Friday’s and Sunday’s, Oistin’s Fish Fry

Public Holidays are indicated in red*

11

The Bajan nut seller.

Charleston Selman

Culture

Culture

We Ting!

B

arbados, also known as Little England, has a strong, rich culture with deep roots set in our West African heritage, brought over by slaves who were shipped in to work on local plantations, as well as our European heritage originating from the mostly British colonists who established most of the early businesses and created the House of Assembly in 1639. Today, these historic connections intermingled with modern influences; stable government and strong social infrastructure have created a distinctive, progressive society, which has business, technology and environmental protection.

Notwithstanding our steps towards first-world status, Barbados remains a charming un-spoilt island treasure with lots of natural beauty and warm, friendly people, all excited to welcome you and make you feel at home. As was stated by our current Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy, MP, “the people of Barbados are easily the island’s top natural resource.”

We are very proud of our cultural heritage and this comes out in all aspects of our life, from food to architecture to the arts.

Barbados is a very religious society and as you drive around Barbados, the large number of churches will not go unnoticed. There are hundreds of places of worship spread across the 166 square miles of the island, representing more than 100 denominations. Over 95% of the population is considered Christian

with Anglicans, Pentecostals, Methodists, Adventists and Catholics making up a large part of this number. Other religious groups include Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Rastafarians and Closed Brethren. Anglicanism was the first official religion on the island and was introduced in the 17th century by British settlers. Many of the religious structures originally built in the 17th and 18th century are worth a visit for their beautiful designs, antique finishes and historical significance.

And if you think there are numerous churches, there are just as many rum shops on the island. This fact is much easier to verify.

If you decide to take up the challenge, you will notice that there is a rum shop within walking distance of every church. These rustic local watering holes are known not just for selling rum but they also serve up delicious food, colourful characters and a great time.

Other cultural offerings for your holiday itinerary are an exploration of Barbados’ yesteryear at our National Museum; National Trust tours of historic places; a visit to monuments from our Sugar Industry such as the Morgan Lewis Windmill, one of only two working sugar windmills in the world today; a self-guided tour through old Bridgetown or any or all of the Crop Over festivities taking place this summer.

Whatever you choose, you are sure to appreciate the rich history and nuances that define us as a people and country.

13

Culture

Old Bridgetown

B

Brian O’neale

ridgetown is the Capital of Barbados and our islands’ centre of commerce, boasting a population of about 80,000 people. Bridgetown was once a busy hub of inter-island trade and a key stop in the slave trade and as a result of this rich history, Bridgetown is now home to some of the most beautiful, historic buildings on the island.

The Parliament Buildings, located at one end of Broad Street, are beautiful buildings made of our local coral stone. Barbados’ parliament is one of the oldest in the whole Commonwealth.

Across from the Parliament Buildings is “Trafalgar Square” featuring a statue of Lord Nelson. This square and statue are older than their counterparts of the same name in London, England; Our Statue was erected in 1813. In April 1999 Trafalgar Square was officially re-named National Heroes Square in honour of our local National Heroes.

14

Statue of Lord Nelson

Located about 200 yards off of Broad Street is the old Jewish Synagogue which was established soon after the British first settled here in 1627. The exodus of Jews form Recife, Brazil signalled the beginning of the Jewish community in Barbados.

This Synagogue, which now houses a very interesting museum, became a place of public worship for Jews in Barbados in 1654, three years before a public place of worship was established for Jews in London.

The Chamberlain Bridge, over the Careenage, was replaced in 2006 with a modern lift bridge but prior to this modernization it was a swing bridge which was operated by two people. The original bridge was constructed in 1872 and allowed entry to trade ships to the inner basin of the Careenage. Today, the Careenage is mostly used for pleasure boats rather than vehicles of trade.

As you can probably guess, Bridgetown was named for this bridge. The capital was originally called “Indian Bridge” after the rudimentary bridge built over the river by the native Indians. Subsequently it was called the town of St. Michael, for the parish in which it is located, before finally being re-named Bridgetown.

Bridgetown has many old, unnamed buildings that have in the past few years, under gone extensive refurbishment. We Bajans are very proud of our gleaming capital and what it represents of our illustrious past. We hope that as you traverse the streets and avenues of Bridgetown that you will take the time to marvel at the historic buildings and that you, also, will develop a fondness for our capital city.

Brian O’Neale

The Chamberlain Bridge.

Brian O’Neale

Parliament Building

Insight Digital

15 The Jewish Synagogue

Culture

Harrison’s Cave

H

arrison’s Cave is a spectacular natural phenomenon, loved by locals and visitors alike. It is a massive stream cave system that’s approximately 2.3 kilometres long, with an interior temperature averaging 27 degrees Celsius. There are many caverns within the cave system, the largest of which is called the Great Hall and is about 50’ high. It is an active cave as it carries water. The stalagmites in the cave are growing by less than the thickness of a piece of paper each year, but that’s very fast in geological terms!

Harrison’s Cave was first discovered in the early 1700’s and was named for Thomas Harrison, who owned much of the land in the area during that period. It’s not clear whether Mr. Harrison ever entered the cave that bears his name but others certainly did and continue to do so today.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, several expeditions ventured into Harrison’s Cave.

None of these expeditions ever got very far because the natural entrances to Harrison’s Cave were hard to get to, and the cave’s inside passages presented many challenges. The cave remained an unexplored mystery until the 1970’s.

16

Harrison’s Caves were rediscovered and mapped in 1974 by Ole Sorensen, an engineer and cave adventurer from Denmark. He was assisted by Tony Mason and Allison Thornhill, two young men from Barbados.

After 1974, the Barbados Government started developing Harrison’s Cave as a show cave and attraction, by excavating shafts and tunnels that could accommodate trams. The cave was opened to the public in 1981. The Government continues to support the Cave and work has continuously been done to maintain the integrity of the caves and to upgrade the facilities surrounding it.

The re-modeled attraction features a brand new visitor’s centre and reception area with an archaeological museum that helps to explain how Barbados was formed, how caves are formed, and the history of Harrison’s Caves. Visitors can then take the glass elevator down to the gully floor, where there are lovely pathways meandering through the rich, lush gulley to the entrance of the caves. All in all it’s a wonderful experience and very educational, so be sure to add Harrison’s Caves to your to-do list. It’s an attraction not to be missed!

Culture

The children’s gallery at the Barbados Museum.

A

rtefacts acquired by the museum showcase both the island’s natural and social history. One can dive into fun facts about our underwater world and land-based creatures in the Harewood Gallery.

Then you can step into a Barbados that existed before Independence and see why Barbados was known as “Little England”.

Exhibits in the Jubilee Gallery paint a picture of the early days of European settlement, the establishment of the third-oldest Parliament in the Western Hemisphere and the emergence of the plantation system. British-influenced religion, place names and customs are evident in the displays, but so are the uniquely Barbadian architecture, traditions, skills and industries that appeared as Barbados came into its own.

18

The story of Barbadian life continues in the Children’s Gallery - a favourite place for the young and old alike. Get up close with memorabilia of yesteryear such as the standpipe, mortar and pestle, guttaperk, handmade scooter, and models of a sugar factory and of the old-time Rocklyn bus, trucks and schooners. Recreations of an early working class dwelling and an oldfashioned kitchen, complete with a larder and other traditional utensils, depict aspects of early to mid-twentieth century daily life in Barbados. Children can enjoy the doll collection and pull out drawers to view toys and fancy ladies’ accessories. A mirrored area is also provided for them to play dress up by donning a Zouave uniform, mulatto girl dress and other historical costumes.

That’s not all. Galleries focusing on fine art, African history and its legacy for the

Photos compliments The Barbados Museum

The Barbados Museum and Historic Society

The courtyard of The Barbados Museum and historical Society.

Caribbean, and the military history of the island and the Garrison Historic Area also await visitors to the Museum.

The museum’s programmes include public lectures and topical exhibitions, and the institution is now working with the Ministry of Tourism to offer a new heritage tour entitled “Freedom Footprints: The Barbados Story”. It begins with a tour of the museum before participants head out by coach to explore sites where Barbadian ancestors demonstrated their ability to survive and to chart a path towards freedom from enslavement.

Plantation life and much more can be researched in The Barbados Museum’s Shilstone Memorial Library, which is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

It houses rare West Indian documentation dating back to the 17th century. Use archival documents, genealogical records, photographs, books and maps to research hard-to-find information.

The Barbados Museum & Historical Society welcomes members who are seeking to contribute towards the preservation of Barbadian heritage.

Museum members enjoy free use of Barbados Museum library resources, free subscriptions to the quarterly newsletter and annual journal, and a copy of our annual reports, 10% discount on Museum shop items and exclusive invitations to museum events and exhibition openings, among other benefits.

Don’t miss an opportunity to place everything you see on the island in

historical context. People and places in Barbados have new significance after a visit to the Barbados Museum.

The Museum’s Gift Shop has been recently re-designed and is the ideal place to find uniquely-Barbadian souvenirs and gifts such as prints, eighteenth-century maps, books and postcard reproductions of art from the Museum’s collection. Its opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

19

Culture

The Origins of Crop Over

C

rop Over is an entirely Barbadian festival which got its start on sugar plantations back in colonial days.

It signifies the end of the sugar crop and was portrayed by a procession of animal-drawn carts and spirited workers making their way to the mill yard for the climax of festivities. At the center of the merry band were the last loads of cane

20

Donkey cart used for transporting Sugar Cane to factory

to be harvested, tied down with colourful cloth and adorned with various flowers.

Another vital component was “Mr. Harding”.

Representative of the “hard times” to come as was expected at the culmination of the sugar season, when finding employment would be difficult. He was made from an old coat and pants stuffed with cane trash and complete with a top hat. He travelled on the final cart and was burnt at the end of the festivities in hopes that the months between the end of this crop time and the commencement of the next would not be too harsh.

Celebrations in the mill yard were marked by an abundance of food, entertainment and plain old merriment.

From stilt-walkers, barrel dancers and ‘mother sally’- a man dressed as a woman with greatly exaggerated breasts and behind to practical games like climbing the greasy pole or catching the greasy pig- the prize being the pig itself, the audience was kept well amused. And as with all things Barbadian it is not over until every tummy is full. There was roast pork, pudding and souse, ham cutters, pone and sweet bread a plenty.

In contrast to the festival in its earlier years, Crop Over has truly evolved and despite its temporary dissolution in the 1940’s, this annual celebration, which was revived in 1974 by the Ministry of Tourism, is considered one of the best carnival & cultural celebrations in the region attracting thousands of visitors each year.

The Crop Over fun begins as early as May with a number of weekly after-work limes, as well as pre-parties or fetes as we locals call them. The music of choice at this time of year is Calypso, with talented artistes releasing infectious party songs often referred to as Soca or biting slowerpaced social commentaries. If you are here

The king and queen of the crop 2008.

during the season, take in a Calypso tent or two and see local musicians in their element. We guarantee that you may not understand it all but you will find it unique and truly entertaining.

The season officially begins with the Thanksgiving and Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes during which the King and Queen of the Festival are crowned and bestowed with a number of gifts.

This cultural extravaganza also features art, dance, folk music and other live performances. There are also several other opportunities during the festival months to experience local culture and entertainment at its best, with events such as Bridgetown Market, Cohobblopot, Foreday Morning, Kiddies Kadooment, as well as several open-air concerts and Calypso competitions.

Crop Over concludes on the first Monday of August with Grand Kadooment; an exciting spectacle of themed, colourful, costumed bands, gyrating (more commonly referred to as Wukking Up) and partying down the street behind large music trucks and entertaining the thousands of spectators who take up all vantage points to view the revelry.

While viewing Crop Over on the sidelines is truly a memorable experience, it’s much more fun to immerse yourself in the festival.

So get out and explore as many activities as you can. Enjoy!

21

Culture

Grand Kadooment

G

rand Kadooment is the culmination of the Crop-Over festival and is held every year on the first Monday of August. It’s an all-day street party, which explodes with colour, revelry, and pulsating Barbadian calypso music.

Scores of organised costumed bands compete in this annual parade with membership in individual bands ranging from a handful to thousands of colourfully clad people. Each band is designed around an overall theme and traditionally, most feature several sections depicting various aspects of that theme. Some of our best local fashion designers and artists are involved year-round in producing these unique, vibrant works of art.

The costumes come in all sorts of wonderful varieties and are generally constructed of beads, feathers, glitter, body paint, and sequins. You name it, and it’s there. The base of the costumes is usually a bathing suit, onto which all the elaborate accessories are added in intricate designs. It’s difficult to imagine,

22

especially if you’ve never seen it, that there are so many ways to wear shorts, or a bikini and a few beads. The most eye-popping manifestations are on display. The registered bands are often punctuated by local characters that create their own costumes for the day, some of these can be just as eye-catching as that from band designers, but most quite often than not, border on the ridiculous and are done for a laugh.

Once all of the bands are assembled at the appointed start, the festivities begin; as one by one they parade before the judges and begin to fill the streets with revelry and pandemonium. Each band has music trucks pounding out the sweet sounds of each year’s Calypso hits and the revellers, as those who participate are affectionately called, dance through the streets celebrating our magnificent history and our promising future.

It’s really a spectacle to behold, so if you happen to be here on August 2nd be sure to join us for our biggest and best festival of the year.

23

The Royal Shop

Insight Digital

Shopping

Shopping Contents

Shopping in Barbados

W

Insight Digital

hether you’re interested in international brands or local souvenirs you are sure to find whatever you are looking for somewhere on the island. Barbados offers world-class shopping facilities; with established department stores and malls retailing well-known international brands and luxury products from liquor to perfume, electronics, cosmetics, jewellery and even fine china. Most of these items are imported and can be purchased at lower prices than you may find in your home countries, if you make full use of the island’s Duty Free programme.

If authentic local merchandise is what you are after, then there are plenty of options to consider. Barbados has many talented artisans who make beautiful hand crafted pieces of jewellery and craft, from a variety of indigenous materials such as grass, stone, wood and even snail shells. Other goods manufactured on the island, which make excellent souvenirs and collectibles, include clay pottery, paintings, leather goods, baskets and of course our internationallyacclaimed rum. Many of these can be found at popular chattel villages such as Pelican Village located just outside the entrance to the Sea Port, or The West Coast chattel village based in Holetown. Also worth a visit

are the potteries located in the Scotland district on the eastern side of the island and the kiosks at North Point in St. Lucy and the Animal Flower Cave.

Bridgetown, our capital city, is the most likely shopping destination as it is our major commercial hub. Take a walk down Broad Street, the Hub for Duty Free shopping, which offers access to several large malls, commercial banks and main street stores or stroll along the quaint cobble-stoned Swan Street for smaller establishments offering amazing bargains. Most stores in Bridgetown open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday and between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturdays. Generally all shops in the city are closed on Sunday.

If you prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle in Bridgetown, there are more northern towns; Holetown and Speightstown also boasts a wide array of retail options. Both of these shopping districts have branches of major stores and banks, with a scattering of small intimate boutiques and craft villages.

The air and sea ports are also great places to shop and pick up some last minute gems on your departure.

So remember, before you step out for your retail therapy, take your passport and travel details to be eligible for fantastic duty free discounts.

The Royal Shop 25

Shopping Contents

Duty Free Shopping

S

hopping, shopping, glorious shopping!

Barbados has become quite the hub for major international brands and this trend continues to grow as our commercial centres expand.

Our main shopping centres, Bridgetown, Holetown, and Speightstown, as well as the chattel villages in Sunset Crest and Pelican Village, and shops at both the air and sea ports all feature Duty Free options.

The range of goods covered under this tax free benefit includes clothes, shoes, jewellery, alcohol, souvenirs, and beauty products, which represent significant savings for the discerning traveller.

What is Duty Free? Well, when a local retailer imports merchandise they are required to pay taxes on them but if those items aren’t staying in the island, but rather leaving with you, the duties paid no longer apply. This is a facility set up exclusively for visitors to the island and is not available to locals. To take advantage of duty free shopping, you must present your passport and travel documents when making a purchase. Other than alcohol, which must be collected from an assigned area at your port of departure, you will be allowed to take ownership of duty free 26

items immediately following payment.

This makes it much easier for you to shop and pack for the journey home.

In some cases, there are limits on the quantities of duty free items you are allowed to take back to your country of origin. This is usually applicable to purchases of alcohol, cigarettes, cigars and select luxury goods. It may therefore be wise to confirm what the allowances are for your country of residence to avoid running into trouble on your return home.

Typically, shops that offer duty free shopping will feature a local and a Duty Free (DF) price on the sales tags. If you are uncertain, feel free to query the establishment about their duty free options before making your selections.

Duty free prices can be as much as 40% less than regular retail prices in Barbados, Britain and the United States. So don’t feel guilty for buying a suitcase full of souvenirs, indulging in a new signature piece from fine jewellers like The Royal Shop in Bridgetown, selecting a new fragrance or picking up some fashionable swimwear for your days out on our beautiful beaches. Shopping in Barbados is truly a pleasure.

Real Estate

Solana Photos courtesy of Realtors Limited

Real Contents Estate

Barbados offers some of the best property the world over!

W

ith the year round tropical climate, vibrant economy, as well as world class services and facilities, Barbados is a wonderful place both to live and visit. In fact, the country fondly referred to as Little England by some, because of the British influences from its past, has charmed many well-known international celebrities such as singer, Sir Cliff Richards; Simon Cowell of American Idol and X-factor fame; acclaimed director Michael Winner and supermodel Jodie Kidd among others.

It is also a favourite of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his family, who have had several vacations on the island. This love affair with the island has led many of these famous stars and countless others to purchase a “piece of the rock”; a term Barbadians often use to refer to owning property on the island.

If you are looking for a property to buy or you just want a short term rental, Barbados offers you may many choices. Indulge in a spacious, fully-serviced, elegant villa nestled on the edge of a beautiful beach or buy into one of the several exclusive, luxury developments offering amenities such as golf, tennis and polo. If you prefer something more understated, how about a plantation styled home in a more rural parish, surrounded by lush vegetation and sounds of the country. There are also several townhouse and condominium type projects dotting the south coast of the island as well as the popular west coast; often referred to as the Platinum Coast or Millionaire’s Playground.

There are no laws against purchases by non-nationals, and consistently increasing market values, driven by demand, mean that you will get a guaranteed return on your investment. If your decision to purchase is strictly for business purposes, you will have nothing to worry about. Most of the island’s realtors offer excellent property management services, to ensure that your investment is well maintained, even in your absence.

Our flat terrain means we are completely inhabitable and our excellent infrastructure and easy-to-reach location, results in hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. Barbados is a gem and when life gets crazy, what’s nicer than peace, tranquility and a place to call your own, on an island paradise, where even if we know your name we value your privacy.

29

Real Contents Estate

Real Estate in Barbados

T

he real estate market in Barbados is very resilient and offers something for everyone, from quaint and rustic chattel houses made of wood, to beach-front luxury villas and condominiums and timeshare resorts.

Despite the global economic turbulence, our housing market has remained stable and strong, with 2009 recording only a slight drop over 2008. With an excellent social infrastructure; well-educated and friendly people, world-class telecoms and stable government, Barbados is very attractive for persons who may be looking to purchase a vacation home, retire in the tropics or broaden their investment portfolio.

Mrs. Suzanne Davis, Manager of Real Estate and Business Development at Realtors Ltd. elaborates; “We have had several overseas buyers purchase Plantation-Style homes and the local market continues to be stable. Since the end of 2009, it has been extremely busy with people looking for property to purchase,” Mrs. Davis says. “The higher end properties are starting to move now and this is trickling down to the middle price range.”

Beach View

People continue to look for somewhere less risky to invest, especially since the international banks haven’t proven to be as dependable as once believed. Mr. Nick Churton, Managing Director at Mayfair International Realty, which has its head office in London, England and offices and affiliates worldwide, has been immersed in the UK residential property market for over 35 years and has this to say. “The search is on for fine property in places that provide a safe haven for investment money by those from wobblier economies.”

In Barbados, property has always been a relatively safe investment with guaranteed returns. The island offers a superb choice of impressive properties, a beautiful climate, and a great way of life, bolstered by good governance and stringent financial regulations that will protect your investment.

Local realtors such as Mrs. Davis, confirm that the prices of property in Barbados have not been affected the way they have overseas, “Over the years our prices have increased and plateaued for a period of time and then increased again, making property in Barbados a very lucrative investment.”

If you are considering a property purchase or would like a short or long term rental, Barbados has many qualified realtors who can help you make the best selection based on your budget and needs. Most of them also provide reliable property management services. Count on the property experts at leading agencies like Realtors Limited who have been in the industry for over 50 years and Altman Real Estate; the exclusive local affiliates of Christies Great Estate, to help make your real estate dreams come true.

Real Contents Estate

Island Property

W

ith our beautiful beaches, consistently warm weather and friendly people it is no wonder Barbados is becoming increasingly popular for its vast opportunities in real estate. Whether you are a potential investor or buyer there is a lucrative market here and quality properties of all types to be had.

The west coast of the island which stretches from the parishes of St James to St Peter is well-known for its five star restaurants, premier shopping and luxurious property. The large number of millionaire-owned homes is a testament to its popular nickname, the Platinum Coast.

The several world-class championship golf courses, complete with their lavish accommodation options only add to the appealing nature of it all.

Although the South Coast is best known for its exciting night spots and greatly frequented beaches, in recent years there has been also been an increase in real estate development. Modern townhouses and condominiums are springing up along the coast, many with unobstructed views of the beautiful waters surrounding our island.

For residential property the eastern part of the island is a beautiful place to consider.

You can purchase land lots or an already built home from one of the many residential developments. If you do want a unique design there are numerous architects on the island, many with international certification who can work with you to build your perfect holiday home.

Most villas are tastefully decorated and sold fully-furnished with all the fittings.

Many even come with a swimming pool and staff can usually be hired to keep it

32

well maintained. Hidden behind perfectly manicured gardens some with perimeter walls to protect your privacy, these homes are very desirable; an important factor if you are considering renting to others.

If you want a nice place to stay for a reasonable rate whenever you visit us, maybe you should consider a timeshare resort. This option allows you to purchase the right to access the property at specified times during the year on a recurring basis.

Another advantage of timesharing is that you can exchange your allotted time for vacations at other timesharing resorts around the world.

Another popular real estate choice are plantation homes. These are older types of property which oftentimes requires refurbishing. They are, however, some of the most stately and valuable property in Barbados. The houses can usually accommodate a large family and the history behind each makes them intriguing.

Condominiums and townhouses are plentiful here. Many offer you a self -sufficient complex inclusive of restaurants, tennis court and other useful extras.

Usually spacious, some are even as big as large villas and most come complete with a Jacuzzi or plunge pool.

If you do plan to purchase a property in Barbados, it is important to note a few things. To use foreign currency you must first register the funds with the Central Bank of Barbados as we have strict foreign exchange policies. Failure to do so may lead to problems if you decide to remove the funds at a later date. There is also a wide selection of Real Estate agents on the island to assist you in finding the property that best suits your needs and taste.

33

Cuisine

Photo courtesy Wispers Restaurant

Cuisine Contents

Taste of Barbados

B

arbadians love to eat and by extension Barbados is a melting pot of culinary experiences, influenced by many cultures around the world from the Far East to the Near West. If you are craving fast food or five diamond quality cuisine, Barbados offers a range of delectable options, including: Asian, Italian, Mediterranean, French, African, Chinese, Indian, Creole, Brazilian, and fusion which can satisfy any taste or pocket.

If you’d like to partake of authentic Bajan cuisine there are a number of festive, outdoor fish-fries & grilling stations such as at the Oistins Fish Market on the south coast or the quieter fishing village at Six Men’s in St. Peter. You also have the option of trying the scores of charming eateries, bars, side-of-the road vendors and food vans dotted throughout the island, all of whom offer simple, hearty and tasty food. Portions are typically very good and average prices start at around BDS$20.00.

Make sure to carve out a bit of time to sample local delicacies such as the national dish Cou Cou & Flying Fish as well as Pudding and Souse, Macaroni Pie, Pepper Pot, and Fishcakes. You may also enjoy stopping in at one of the thousands of Rum Shops that dot the island for a “cutter”, which is a local sandwich made up of anything in a salt-bread. The most popular cutters among locals are ham, cheese and fish, with a lashing of good old Bajan pepper sauce. If you like your food to have a little heat, then make sure to get a couple of bottles of this fantastic mustard based condiment, which can accompany almost everything.

Speaking of rum, Barbados manufactures and exports some of the oldest and finest

rums in the world such as the world renowned Mount Gay brand. From extra old, to light to white, rum is a key ingredient in many of the liquid concoctions created by talented local bartenders. If you like to have a drink, A Bajan rum punch is a must, or if you prefer the taste of lager then order an ice cold Banks Beer. This premium pilsner lager has been made in Barbados since 1961 and is the beer of choice for locals and visitors alike.

For those of you who may have a more sophisticated palate, Barbados is home to a number of world-class restaurants, most with stunning ocean views, offering a tantalizing array of menu choices, which are difficult to surpass by anyone’s standards.

Many of these restaurants often require a reservation long in advance, especially if you’re planning to dine during the busy December to April season. We therefore strongly recommend that you make your reservations prior to or shortly after arriving on the island to avoid being disappointed.

35

Cuisine Contents

Brown Sugar Restaurant

M

arcelle Cook is the Managing Director of Brown Sugar Restaurant – one of the most popular spots on the island to enjoy good, old-fashioned Bajan cooking.

It was her father’s brain-child and on his passing, her uncle manned things until she had been adequately trained and was prepared to take over as Managing Director.

It’s hard to beat the food and atmosphere found at Brown Sugar and Marcelle is a big part of what makes Brown Sugar tick.

Thirty-six year old wife and mother of two, Marcelle is one of those super-women who seem to do it all, and do it all well. She is a Bajan who studied Food & Beverage at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada and was the winner of the 2006 Bitove scholarship. Although spare time is hard to come by, when it does, she enjoys spending it with her family bowling, dining out or going to the movies. And when time permits, you may even find her playing the harp at functions; a pastime she has 36

mastered over 27 years.

Marcelle was nineteen when she decided to pursue a career in Food & Beverage and hasn’t looked back since.

She attributes her love for Barbadian cuisine to the bold flavours and says that to her, from the aspect of food and beverage Barbados means hospitality. “Bajans love to entertain friends and family and it is always about food, good friends and drinks.” In addition, she disclosed that the large variety of foods to choose from and the excellent quality is what makes dining in Barbados exciting.

Of her work at Brown Sugar, Marcelle says that “no two days are alike” but that’s what keeps things interesting. And when asked, she said that her all-time favourite local dish is Pepper Pot, which of course, can be found at Brown Sugar. If you’re looking for a delicious local meal at a reasonable price, somewhere with great atmosphere and friendly staff, head on over to Brown Sugar and ask for Marcelle!

Cuisine Contents

Local Fruits with Great Benefits

The Coconut The nutrients derived from this fruit can be consumed in many different forms. In young or immature coconuts the liquid in the centre simply called coconut water is a cool, refreshing thirst quencher which can be served with ice or drunk straight from the nut.

It is high in Potassium and Phosphorus and is a good source of quick energy. Another way to enjoy coconut water, for those not so keen on the taste is to mix it half and half with a cold soft drink. It’s delicious and we guarantee you will love it. The young coconuts also contain a soft jelly that is quite enjoyable too. As the coconut gets older, this Jelly hardens to form the white which is processed for food and beauty products.

Coconut oil pressed from the fruit’s meat is known worldwide for its positive effects on the body. It is often used in hair care products and to promote a healthy looking complexion. Coconut oil is also said to improve digestion, increase your metabolism and relieve constipation. Naturopathic doctor, Dr. Bruce Fife, the author of The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil calls it “the healthiest oil on earth”.

Bajan Sugar Cakes Ingredients: 1 1/8 cups grated coconut (no husk) 1 1/8 cups sugar 1/3 cup water 1/3 teaspoon almond essence ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

38

Method: Boil sugar and water until syrupy and when it begins to bubble add the coconut and cream of tartar. When mixture leaves the side of the pot easily and it is no longer syrupy remove from heat and beat for 4 or 5 minutes with a spoon. Finally, add the almond essence and drop on a greased tray to cool.

Note: You may add food colouring with the almond essence if you wish.

The Guava Guava is a seasonal fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or as a preservative. It is a popular flavour for jams and jellies and is the main component in a favourite Barbadian snack called Guava Cheese, which tastes great on its own or on a salty cracker. Besides their sweet to sour taste, pretty pinkish colour and strong odour, guavas carry loads of vitamins A and B and about five times more vitamin C than found in oranges. This powerful little fruit is also high in potassium, a mineral necessary to maintain the body’s PH balance and keeps the brain and nervous system functioning healthily. It is even known to reduce cholesterol in the blood which can thicken blood and decrease fluidity resulting in high blood pressure.

Guava Cheese Ingredients: 1 lb Guava pulp (no seeds) 1 lb Granulated sugar 1 inch long cinnamon stick butter to grease dish

Method: In a skillet (preferably with a heavy bottom) add guava pulp, sugar and cinnamon then cook mixture on high, stirring every now and then until the mixture begins to pop (similarly to popcorn). Next reduce heat and stir frequently until it begins to separate from the pot. Put a drop on a saucer and if it becomes a firm ball that can be rolled it is ready. Finally, place in a glass dish to cool and when it has cooled cut in to small squares and enjoy. Some people even sprinkle a little sugar on top for those with a sweet tooth.

The Tamarind This unique fruit tends to grow wild in Barbados and though enjoyed by many, its nutritional value is often overlooked.

Tamarinds have been proven to treat bile disorders and it is said that when applied directly to the affected area the pulp aids in reducing inflammation. They are high in vitamin C and a good source of calcium, riboflavin and niacin just to name a few. It is even believed to be helpful in treating hangovers!

Tamarind Balls Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb sugar 1 lb Tamarind pulp salt and pepper to taste

Method: In a large bowl add tamarind, salt and pepper and about three tablespoons of sugar. Then knead ingredients making sure to separate the seeds as much as possible.

Next sprinkle just enough water on the mixture to moisten it and add more sugar depending on how sour your tamarinds are. Now roll tamarinds into small balls and roll them into the remaining sugar; give them a thin sugar coating and enjoy.

39

Cuisine Contents

Described as an oasis in Bridgetown, Waterfront Café provides a quality dining experience in a comfortable environment, that is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike.

Situated on the Careenage in the middle of Historic Bridgetown the restaurant offers full bar, a la carte menu and Live Nightly Entertainment.

The Careenage, Bridgetown Marina Reservations – 427-0093 waterfrontcafe@sunbeach.net

Dozens of candy, fruit, nut and syrup mix-ins smashed together with your favorite ice-cream on our frozen granite slab!

Open Monday – Thursday 11 am to 10pm Friday – Sunday 11 am to 11pm

Quayside Centre, Christ Church Tel 435-1877

“Famous For Ribs” Dine in this cheerful restaurant with your hosts Paul & Annie from Birmingham, UK. The menu includes an exciting variety of tasty dishes such as local fish, mouth-watering curries, pasta, chicken, crispy shrimp, US fillet, steak and more, all accompanied by fresh vegetables.

Reservations 432-2119 Take-away available

Located on the popular St. Lawrence Gap, this restaurant serves only Authentic Chinese cuisine prepared by famous and experienced Chinese Chefs.

Whether it’s lunch or dinner, our extensive menu sure has something to please your appetite.

We are opened 7 days a week

Upstairs The Steak House St.Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Tel: 420-3762

40

Cuisine Contents

Cou Cou and Flying Fish

C

ou cou and Flying fish is the national dish of Barbados. The former has its origins in West Africa and consists of corn-meal seasoned with okra and topped with a spicy blend of tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It is a popular fixture on the menu in Barbadian homes and is readily available at many of the restaurants which specialize in local cuisine. Cou-cou is easy to make and features simple ingredients, which are better sourced fresh for a delicious dining experience. While flying fish pairs very nicely with Cou-Cou, if you do want to try this recipe when you’re back home, don’t worry about not finding flying fish in your local grocery as Cou-Cou can also be served with beef stew, salted cod, mackerel or red herring.

Cou-Cou

Fried Flying Fish

Ingredients: 2 cups yellow cornmeal 6-7 okras 1 teaspoon salt (to taste) 3 cups water 1 tablespoon butter

Ingredients : 10 flying fish or 1 kg (2 1/4 lb.)

1/2 cup flour 3/4 tsp. baking powder 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs 1 tbsp. milk 1 tbsp. brown rum 2 eggs - Bajan green seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying

Clean, wash and dice okras. Add 3 cups of water to a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Add diced okra and boil for 5-8 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Measure 2 cups of liquid from the cooked okra to use for cooking your cou-cou. Using a thick wooden spoon, stir the cornmeal slowly into the reserved okra liquid in the pot. Add more liquid as necessary. Return pot to stove over medium heat and continue to stir okra and cornmeal. Cook and stir about 10-15 minutes until smooth and firm. When done, turn the entire mixture into a buttered serving bowl and shape into a smooth mound.

Note: Refrigerate leftover cou-cou.

42

Rub the fish with the Bajan green seasoning and leave some in the creases of the fish. For extra flavour, let the fish marinade in the seasoning for at least 10 mins. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and pepper and coat the fish. In a small bowl mix the milk, rum and eggs and pour evenly over the fish. After this, evenly coat the fish with breadcrumbs and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the breading to firm up. Heat 1/2” oil in a deep frying pan and fry the fish for 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

43

Activities

Activities Contents

Charleston Selman

Livin’ the Life

Horse riding at Bath

I

f you enjoy sightseeing, you can discover the beauty of our island by water, land or air. Get a bird’s eye view of the island from the safety of a helicopter or dive deep into our crystal waters with the guidance of a trained professional. If you prefer a more intense kind of fun we’ve got that too. Why not go zip-lining across the tree tops, Tarzan-style or catch a wave or two on the East Coast like a true surfer?

Experience a Barbadian night club, many of whom offer “drinks-free” evenings and a mix of local and international music for your partying pleasure or take the entire clan to one of the many fun choices for family entertainment. Try a new sport or cheer on your home team over a delicious meal at one of the island’s sport restaurants.

We are big karaoke fans here and many bars offer their patrons the satisfaction of singing loud and often times off-key

renditions, of their favourite tunes on Friday and Saturday nights.

Treat yourself to a visit of one of the several quaint fishing villages dotted around the coast. After sunset, these coastal communities come to life, with music, well-stocked bars and great food which always feature the catch of the day, of course.

If you are interested in history and the arts then Barbados is definitely the place to be. Visit two of the only three Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere or collect authentic pieces of Caribbean art work from some of our most talented artists.

Whether you’re here for historic enlightenment, a family trip or simply to enjoy a new culture, we have all the makings of a fantastic vacation. So pick an activity and knock yourself out. After all, you are on vacation!

45

Activities Contents

Golf

B

arbados is the perfect location for a golf vacation. It is home to many world-renowned golf courses and resort communities set against breathtaking natural backdrops and tranquil surroundings. This along with year round sunshine makes Barbados a golfer’s paradise.

Some of the biggest names in golf architecture such as Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Tom Fazio have designed courses on the island, which are all well maintained and manicured by trained experts. The golf offerings are as much suited to the novice as they are to the professional golfer, with the courses offering varying degrees of challenge.

All clubs offer professional instruction and equipment rental including shoes.

There are seven courses on the island located in the parishes of St. James on the West Coast and Christ Church on the south. Five of the courses are 18 hole while the other two are 9 hole courses.

The renowned Sandy Lane hotel on the west coast is home to three of these courses, The Old Nine, The Green Monkey and the Country Club. Also in the parish of St. James is the Royal Westmoreland golf course & Country Club. Further west, is the newest course in Barbados; The Apes Hill club which is also home to one of four polo clubs on the island.

46

On the south coast, you will find Rockley Golf Course, the oldest course on the island.

Further south is the Barbados Golf Club where many locals can be found enjoying a round.

Several local, Caribbean and international golf tournaments are played in Barbados throughout the year. In 2006, the island played host to the prestigious World Golf Championships, which was won by the German team of two-time masters champion Bernard Langer, and his young teammate Marcel Siem. This tournament was covered lived by all the major sporting networks including ESPN, ABC and SKY sports.

What, however, cemented Barbados as truly a golfer’s paradise was when the most famous person in world golf, Tiger Woods chose Barbados and the Sandy Lane Golf Club as the venue for his wedding to Elin Nordregen in 1994. With his yacht ‘Privacy’ docked in the waters off the west coast, hundreds of local and international photographers tried desperately to take photos of the couple and other celebrity guests who flew in for the ceremony. The event remained in the international news for weeks.

Whatever your golfing requirements whether you are new to the game or just want to improve your handicap, enjoy your golfing holiday here in Barbados and don’t forget to tell a friend about your experience.

Contents People

Segway Polo Interview with Ryan Rodriguez Q: When did Segway Polo begin in Barbados?

A: Sometime around December 2008, or January 2009

R

yan Rodriguez is one of a handful of the Segway-elite; those few and proud who have mastered the delicate art of Segway riding.

They have taken this masterful talent and channelled it into something more exciting, more invigorating – they have made it even more fun! “They” are “The Flying Fish”, the world champions of Segway Polo. Yes, you read that right; Segway Polo. It’s a variation on the age-old sport of kings regularly played on horses, but these guys play it on Segways.

A Segway is like a scooter but it’s erect; you stand up on it and hold onto an upright handle and command movement and direction by leaning your body. They’re a lot of fun and are available for scenic tours.

However, Ryan and the rest of “The Flying Fish” have taken Segway riding to whole new level and they’re not the only ones. I had a little chat with Ryan recently to get some more insight into this very interesting new sport; read on for more on Segway Polo.

Name: Ryan Rodriguez Claim to Fame: Segway Polo player and member of the 2 time “WOZ Cup” winning team, “The Flying Fish”.

Position: Goal Keeper or Defense

48

Q: How did you get involved?

A: Jason Gilkes, the owner of Segway of Barbados, called me to say that he wanted to try something new on the Segways that he currently rents for tours.

He wanted to get his friends together for some “sport and fun” and he said he had looked on the internet and found “Segway Polo”. Shortly thereafter, with the help of Jason’s dad and some “Modified” Horse Polo sticks or Mallets, about 8 friends got together and played around for the first time. It was immediately enjoyable and completely addictive! Soon after that we were invited by Teddy Williams to play a demonstration match and the conclusion of a real Horse Polo tournament at Apes Hill Polo Club.

Q: Since its inception, how popular has Segway Polo become?

A: We currently have about 15 to 20 dedicated members and 2 full teams, but many more people have come and tried it out. I would not say it’s as popular as Cricket, but we are working on that!

Q: Where and when do the matches take place?

A: We usually practice about 2 to 3 times a week at Friendship Sports Field in Hothersal Turning depending on the weather and other factors.

Q: What do you enjoy about it?

A: The Exercise factor is great. Just kidding!

Really it’s the camaraderie and fun that we have on the field. Let’s face it, it’s not the most serious sport in the world, it’s just absolutely fun to play.

Q: Tell me about the WOZ Cup. What is it? When is it?

A: The WOZ Challenge Cup, as it’s officially called, is also known as the World Cup of Segway Polo. It was started about 6 years

49

Segway polo.

ago in California, USA when a team from New Zealand and a team from California got together to play an official match.

One of the founding members of the California team was Steve Wozniak - cofounder of Apple Computer. He donated that first cup and so the tradition began.

Each year more teams join the ranks and the tournament gets a bit larger. Last year after only playing for 5 months, a team from Barbados, The Flying Fish, travelled to Cologne, Germany in July.

We arrived not knowing what it was like to play anyone else or even a firm grasp of the rules, but we quickly made friends, as Barbadians do, and also managed to win the WOZ cup in the process! This year Barbados hosted the WOZ Cup right here at the Lion Castle Polo field from June 9th to 13th with 6 international teams present!

I feel it’s important to interject here that The Flying Fish won the WOZ Cup again.

It was their second year participating and their second year winning; Congratulations to all the Flying Fish!

Q: Are there a lot of international teams?

A: Right now we are aware of teams from all over the world including New Zealand, several in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Stockholm, Dubai and multiple teams from the USA. To my knowledge California has at least 6 Teams, Boston and Chicago also have teams, and we hear there are several more cities looking to start teams as well.

50

Q: Wow, it certainly seems like Segway Polo is growing quickly. What do you think the emergence of this new sport means for Barbados?

A: Well, after The Flying Fish won the WOZ Challenge Cup again for the second successive year, right here in Barbados just over a month ago, we can only expect the sport to grow further. In fact, there is talk of a third Barbados team forming quite soon and the international response after the Cup has been overwhelming; everyone involved said they thoroughly enjoyed the fun, atmosphere and organization and many have already said they plan to return.

Q: That’s fantastic! It certainly sounds like you guys are doing wonderful things with the sport, locally. Now, for all the foreign guests we have visiting, what would you tell them that you enjoy most about being a Bajan?

A: Barbados is really a special place with a lot of special people. I know that sounds cliché, but most Bajans take that for granted until they spend a prolonged period overseas in a big city. We have access to so many things, like sports, the beach and the sea, good restaurants, cool nightlife and many modern conveniences. But in most cases, it’s the people that really make Barbados great!

Debb Marshall

People

51

Activities Contents

Water Activities

O

ur crystal-clear, turquoise waters are definitely one of the island’s premier attractions and provide visitors with a range of exciting holiday options.

For those thrill-seekers in your party, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the many water-sport operators who patrol the South and West Coasts. These guys can fill your whole day, or just a half-hour if that’s what you’d like, with water-skiing, jet-skiing, banana boat, water-trampolines, kayaking, wake-boarding, para-sailing and more. Small sailing vessels such as Hobie Cats are also frequently available for hire.

If you’d rather have someone else pulling the ropes, you may enjoy a cruise on any one of the many catamarans that operate daily in Barbados. The typical catamaran day-sail usually takes about 4 hours and includes lunch, drinks, and a couple of stops along the coast. Often the cruise will take you to any number of spots where you can swim with our very friendly and magnificently intriguing sea turtles. These cruises can be tailored to your needs and 52

the boats vary in sizes but many of the operators offer private cruises, lunch-time sailing, or sunset sailing.

Barbados also offers much to fans of extreme water sports; just head south, to the popular Silver Sands beach to try windsurfing, kite-surfing, surfing and standup paddling. While you are there, give a holler to local celebrity Brian “Irie-Man” Talma, who’s a resident expert on water sports and is described as the ultimate waterman. He is always ready to introduce locals and visitors alike to Barbados beach culture and a taste of De Action, his trademarked phrase.

Barbados is predominately made up of coral limestone and under our tranquil waters, there is a breathtaking world of coral reefs, wrecks, and indigenous sea life which any diving enthusiast would appreciate.

If none of this really seems your speed and you’d really much rather just relax, then no problem. Just one question though, “Would you like a refill?”

53

Activities Contents

Top Beaches in Barbados

Accra – located on the main Worthing Coast road, Accra is a favourite for locals and tourists alike. The sea at Accra is generally mild and easy for swimming and the artificially created breakwater has become a lively reef great for snorkelling.

Accra is also the southernmost tip of the South Coast Boardwalk which makes for a lovely stroll.

Cattlewash – The East Coast, where Cattlewash is located, is a beautiful part of the island often missed by our visitors.

The natural geological beauty is amazing as rolling hills, sharp cliffs, shallow reefs and rolling waves collide. Swimming is not advised here as the currents are strong and unpredictable. However, Cattlewash is a wide, long stretch of golden sand which is a little coarser than on the West or South Coast and is perfect for a long walk. I’m sure you’ll find the visual appeal of the rolling hills, combined with the melody of the waves crashing against the reef, absolutely hypnotizing.

Cattlewash

Bathsheba – Bathsheba can be found just South of Cattlewash, also on the East Coast but is a much smaller bay. Bathsheba and namely the break known as the Soup Bowl has become a favourite spot for local surfers and foreigners will hardly argue. Kelly Slater has said that the Soup Bowl is one of his favourite surf spots in the world. Again, it’s a beautiful place to visit but unless you’re a very experienced surfer, swimming is highly dangerous here.

Mullins – Driving north along the West Coast road you can find Mullins; it’s one of the few remaining windows to the sea on this coast. Mullins features a lovely beach bar and restaurant right on the beach so there’s no need to take anything more than a towel with you. There are chairs and umbrellas available for rent and water sports abound.

Paynes Bay – This golden stretch of sand can also be found on the West Coast, just South of Holetown with many condos and hotels creating a border between the busy

Bottom Bay

Crane Beach

main road and the tranquil beach. This is a favourite stop for the Catamaran day cruises as turtles can readily be found within this bay. As with most West Coast beaches, water sports are readily available here.

Bottom Bay – Bottom Bay is a peaceful little bay on the South East coast of Barbados, bordered by a steep cliff of coral stone and dotted with coconut trees. This is the kind of beach you see only on postcards.

If you’re driving yourself, don’t feel bashful if you need to stop and ask for directions a couple times along the way, it’s not the easiest beach to find. However, once you make your way down the stairway to the beach you’ll be glad you didn’t abandon your quest.

The Crane – The Crane, home of the world famous hotel. The Crane was named among the top 10 beaches in the whole world by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous magazine. The Sand at the Crane isn’t quite pure white; it’s pinker than you’d expect and it’s softer too – like baby powder between your toes. The beach is long and wide, perfect for beach games like cricket which you’ll often see the locals playing. On the hotel-side of the beach is a high cliff that juts out over the turquoise sea inviting divers and jumpers – give it a try, it’s exhilarating!

Silver Sands – Located on the Southernmost tip of Barbados is Silver Sands beach which, with its favourable winds and constant waves, has become a

favourite spot for local and international wind and kite surfers. The shallow border reefs create lagoon-like conditions within and challenging conditions outside of its barriers. If you’ve ever been interested in trying windsurfing, or kite surfing, head over to Silver Sands and ask for De Action Man. Carlisle Bay – Carlisle Bay is located on the South Coast; it’s actually the southern border of the capital city, Bridgetown.

Carlisle Bay is actually a National Park and features a number of ship wrecks and natural limestone reefs which make it a popular attraction for snorkelling or scuba diving. The swimming here is almost always favourable as the bay provides a safe harbour. You can take a stroll along the crescent-shaped bay or just sit and admire all of the local and foreign yachts at mooring. There’s often beach tennis and beach cricket going on somewhere within the bay and the Boat Yard at the northern end provides lively entertainment, a wellstocked bar, great restaurant, and exciting water sports.

Miami Beach – Miami Beach is a favourite picnic spot for locals on Sunday or Public Holidays. The Casuarina trees provide lots of lovely shade on the white sandy beaches and there are well-maintained picnic benches scattered along the beach. The swimming here is usually very favourable.

Miami Beach is only a few minutes’ drive away from the Airport so this could be your first or last stop on your vacation here in Paradise.

55

Activities Contents

Family Fun!

T

here’s really nothing like good old fashioned family time and when better to catch up on those bonding moments than when you’re on vacation? Barbados offers a lot of fun activities for families to do together.

Read on for some great ideas for you and your kin.

If you’re a family who likes the beach you could try all the wonderful water sports available including the banana boat, inflatable rings, wake-boarding, water-skiing, jet-skiing, glass-bottom boats, water trampolines, and kayaking.

How about a deep-sea adventure on a submarine? You could go for a day trip on one of the many lovely catamaran cruises available which usually include lunch and a snorkel stop and a chance to swim with the magnificent turtles that make our shores their home. Alternately, scuba diving is widely available and our coral reefs are very active and beautiful.

If you’re not PADI certified, we have many places island-wide that could change that for you. Always dreamed of being a surfer dude or dudette? Well now could be your chance, as there are a number of qualified surf-schools that would take your whole family out for some time on the waves.

Are you more of a land-lubber? Never fear, we have an abundance of activities that you can do with both feet planted firmly on solid ground. There are a number of historical tours of old plantation homes, sugar factories, and museums. If you’re into the wonders of nature, then you’re sure to enjoy any of the various Gully Tours as well as Harrison’s Cave, The Andromeda Botanical Garden or the Marine Museum at Folkestone Park.

56

If you don’t mind heights you can also consider Ziplining over dense but beautiful vegetation.

There are also a number of readyplanned tours that allow you to see a lot of Barbados including 4x4 island tours, Segway adventures or a horse-riding expedition. If your troop is of the do-itourselves variety then there’s plenty of fun to be had with a rental car and a map.

There’s so much to do in Barbados as a family. We hope that you and your brood can find what’s right for you and get an action-packed, fun-filled family vacation never to be forgotten!

Activities Contents

The Flower Forest Botanical Garden

T

he Flower Forest Botanical Garden is away from the concrete and the confusion, a breezy 850 feet above sea level in the countryside of Barbados’ ‘Scotland District’. This is a cherished place for nature lovers, for creation of inner peace and tranquility, a place with magic feelings, safe and quiet.

Stop time, walk within swathes of colourful blooms, in the shade of the tallest majestic wild palms and trees, along discrete, flat walkways through the rainforest. Fifty acres of wild beauty have been conserved, and embellished with flowering tropical plants from the West Indies and beyond.

Experience oneness with Caribbean nature, in sunshine or in rain (umbrellas are available from the front desk!). Eco-friendly - minimal use of pesticides enhances our bird population as well as the insect life, living compatibly alongside the green monkey, mongoose and lizard.

A Flower Forest meditation can set the soul free. Let it bring you that totally calm state of mind that you came on holiday to achieve.

Take home some of the best panoramic photo-ops in Barbados extending down to the East Coast waters and across to our tallest point, ‘Mount’ Hillaby. Our extra special collection - dozens of flowering bananas, heliconia ‘crab-claw’, and dozens of ginger lily types are also a joy for the photographer; or simply a wonder to behold.

Warm the heart but not the globe – find the missing peace required to complete a perfect holiday.

58

Activities Contents

St. Nicholas Abbey

St. Nicholas Abbey is one of the oldest surviving plantations on the island.

B

uilt in 1658 by Colonel Benjamin Berringer, St. Nicholas Abbey, located in the parish of St. Peter, is one of only three genuine Jacobean mansions remaining in the Western Hemisphere. Barbados is home to two of these mansions; the other being Drax Hall in the parish of St. George. St. Nicholas Abbey is also one of the island’s oldest surviving plantations.

With its original boundaries still intact, St. Nicholas Abbey encompasses 400 acres of rolling hills, sugar cane fields, natural gullies, mahogany forests and beautifully architectured gardens. Set amongst soaring cabbage palms is the old great house featuring elegant curvilinear gables and ornamental details unique to the Jacobean style including four cornerstone 60

chimneys and fireplaces in two of the bedrooms, coral stone finials, a Chinese Chippendale staircase and fine antiques and china. The fireplaces and chimneys were indeed unusual characteristics for a home in the Caribbean but they were faithfully added in keeping with the original plans brought over from England, where Dutch-influenced architectural style was popular at the time. The magnificent attention to detail on St. Nicholas Abbey has made this property a stunning and rare example of the Jacobean style so heavily favoured in the 17th Century.

St. Nicholas Abbey is not without its tale of tragedy! The house appears to have been built by Colonel Benjamin Berringer.

His neighbour, friend, and business partner was Sir John Yeamans. When Yeamans

began to pay attention to Mrs. Berringer, a feud erupted between Yeamans and Colonel Berringer, culminating in a duel in which Berringer was killed. Soon afterwards, Sir John married Mrs. Berringer and claimed the Abbey. A court ruling later returned the property to Berringer’s children and the property was named after Berringer’s grand-daughter who married George Nicholas.

St. Nicholas Abbey was bought over in 2006 by architect Larry Warren who facilitated its beautiful restoration and preservation for future generations to enjoy. Currently the house is run as a museum and daily guided tours showcase a wealth of tradition through artefacts and antiques that span the home’s 250 year history.

A new distillery has been added to the property, in keeping with the traditions that have made Barbados rum famous for 350 years. The distillery produces rum using the pot-still method which is said to be excellent for the preservation of the flavor

during the fermentation period.

The property also features a sandbox tree that is estimated to be over 400 years old, a beautiful gully which is home to lush natural foliage, a museum, a seasonally operated steam mill and the terrace café which overlooks the magnificent gardens of the plantation and provides a wonderful opportunity for visitors to sit back and enjoy the surroundings while having some lunch or other light refreshments including homemade molasses cookies.

The grounds of St. Nicholas Abbey also include Cherry Tree Hill, an early natural passageway connecting the east and west coasts of the island. Cherry Tree Hill features magnificent overhanging mahogany trees which line the way up to the precipice from which you can view almost the entire east coast of Barbados.

During your stay you’d be remiss to pass up the opportunity to visit this gem of history.

Be sure to take a drive or book a tour to visit St. Nicholas Abbey and take a glimpse inside of what Plantation life once was.

61

Weddings Contents

Weddings in Paradise

W

hether your dream wedding is an elaborate grand affair with a thousand people or something more intimate with just close friends and family, Barbados offers a beautiful and romantic setting for declaring & celebrating your love more officially.

The island hosts thousands of destination weddings each year, from international celebrities such as actress Liv Tyler to many lesser-known couples; all of whom share a common desire of getting married in a tropical paradise. If you are planning a wedding on your next visit with us, most local hotels provide wedding co-ordination services to make planning your big day as easy and stress-free as possible. There are also several experienced event planners and décor professionals ready and willing to cater to your every whim and to make your wedding day unforgettable.

To get legally married in Barbados, you will need to obtain a marriage license from the Ministry of Home Affairs between Monday and Friday from 8.30a.m to 3.30p.m. Both parties must be present

62

in person, each accompanied by the following: •A valid passport, identification card and a certified copy of your birth certificate •A Return ticket •If previously married; an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate and the death certificate of your previous spouse or an original Decree Absolute / Final Judgment as proof of divorce Note: The Decree Nisi is not accepted •A letter from the Marriage Officer who has agreed to perform the ceremony (only one copy The cost per license application is BDS$200 plus a BDS$25 stamp. Each copy of the marriage license from the Registrar’s office is BDS$20. If you need more information on the legal requirements, contact the Ministry of Home Affairs at Tel: 246-228-8950, Fax: 246-437-3794 or email ps@mha.gov.bb.

For more information on local wedding suppliers, pictures of island weddings and tips for getting married in Barbados visit local wedding portal www.isleido.com.

w w w . i s l e i d o . c o m f r o m

o u r

i s l e

t o

y o u r

a i s l e

- WEDDING PLANNING TIPS - SERVICE PROVIDER DIRECTORY - REAL COUPLE WEDDINGS - AISLE STYLE - HELPFUL ARTICLES AND MUCH MORE…..

Info

Tips & Tidbits

B

anking: We have a number of international and regional banks throughout the island. General operating hours are Monday through Thursday 8am to 3 pm, and Friday 8 am to 5 pm. 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 am to 4:30 pm or 9 am to 5 pm, Monday thru Friday with some places open on Saturday from about 8:30 am to 1 pm. These hours are just a general guideline as some stores and offices have their own opening hour, 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 BD$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 travellers’ 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 BD$1.50 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. o Transport Board buses – These are government buses. These are blue with a yellow stripe and have licence plates that begin with the letters “BM”. o Privately owned mini-buses – These have license plates which start with the letter “B” and are yellow with a blue stripe. o Privately owned route taxis – These are affectionately known as ZR’s after the first two letters on their license 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 cases are fixed. You should establish with the driver before starting your journey what the fare is likely to be.

64

Brian O’Neale

• 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 cost effective 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 6 persons. 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 bicycles 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 10% 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, 28-6120

• Fire 311 • Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) 436-6450 • Sandy Crest Medical Centre 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 65

Info

Island Directory Activities

Communications

Aerial Trek Zipline Adventures Walkes Spring Plantation, St. Thomas Tel: 438-8735

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

Barbados Concorde Experiance

Grantley Adams Int., Christ Church Tel: 420-7738 Heatwave Sailing Cruises

Tel: 228-8142 Attractions & Museum Banks Barbados Breweries Wildey, St. Michael Tel: 227-6550

Angry Annies 1st Street, Holetown, St. James Tel: 432-2119 Brown Sugar Restaurant Aquatic Gap, St. Michael Tel: 427-7684 or 436-7069

Barbados Museum & Historical Society Garrison, St. Michael Tel: 427-0201

Chilli Moos Ice Cream Treatery Quayside Centre, Rockley, Christ Church Tel: 435-1877 The Crane Resort Crane, St. Philip Tel: 423-6220

Caves of Barbados Harrison’s Cave Welchman Hall, St. Thomas Tel: 438-6640

H. Jason Jones & Co. Ltd. Premium Steak Delivery Kensington Court, Fontabelle, St. Michael Tel: 4297209

EarthWorks Pottery Edgehill Heights 2, St. Thomas Tel: 425-0223

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

Mount Gay Rum Distillery Tours Brandons, Spring Garden H’way, St. Michael Tel: 425-8757 Sunbury Great House Sunbury, St. Philip Tel: 423-6270

Banks Barbados National Bank Inc. For Locations see pg.5 Tel: 431-5999

66

Dining

ST. Lawrence Steak House & Grill St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Tel: 428-7152 The Reggae Lounge St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Tel: 435-6462 The Waterfront Café Cavans Lane, Bridgetown Tel: 427-0093 Wispers on the Bay Bayshore Complex, St. Michael Tel: 826-5223

www.banksbeer.com

Banks (Barbados) Breweries Limited reminds you to drink responsibly

Info Embassies and Consulates Australian High Commission Bishop’s Court Hill, St. Michael Tel: 435-2834 Austria Honorary Consul Knowlton, Exeter Rd, Navy Gdns, Christ Church Tel: 427-3131 Consulate of Belgium 609 Rockley Beach Resort, Christ Church Tel: 435-7704 Embassy of Brazil Hastings Main Road, Christ Church (Located in the Digicel complex) Tel: 427-1735 Canadian High Commission Bishop’s Court Hill, St. Michael Website: http://www.bridgetown.gc.ca Tel: 429-3550 Embassy of Colombia Dayrells Rd., Rockley, Christ Church Tel: 429-6821 Consulate of Denmark Grazettes, St. Michael Tel: 424-4995 French Consulate Waverly House, Hastings, Christ Church Tel: 435-6847 Germany Honorary Consul Tel: 427-1876 Israel Honorary Consul General Palmetto St. Bridgetown Tel: 426-4764 Italy Vice Consulate Bannatyne, Christ Church Tel: 437-1228 Netherlands Consulate Balls Plantation, Christ Church Tel: 418-8000 Norway Honorary Consul General Nile St., Bridgetown Tel: 429-7286 68

United Kingdom British High Commission Collymore Rock, St. Michael E-mail: britishhc@sunbeach.net Tel: 436-6694 Embassy of the United States Bridgetown, Wildey Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael Tel: 227-4000 or 227-4399 Venezuelan Embassy Hastings, Christ Church Tel: 435-7619

Entertainment Club Xtreme Worthing, Christ Church Tel: 435-4445 Harbour Lights Bay Street, St Michael Tel: 436-7225 The Boatyard Bay Street, St Michael Tel: 436-2622 or 428-5048

Places of Worship Anglican St Cyprian’s Church Corner 7th Ave. Belleville & George Street, St. Michael.

Sunday Services: 6:30 a.m. & 8:00 a.m.

Tel: 436-5027 or 4367626 St Matthias Anglican (Episcopal) Church St. Matthias Road, Hastings, Christ Church Sunday Services: 7a.m. and 8:45a.m.

Tel: 429-5733 or 427-7389 St Michael Cathedral St. Michael’s Row, Bridgetown.

Sunday Services: 7:15a.m., 9a.m., 11a.m. and 6p.m.

(No 11a.m. Sunday Service on the first Sunday of the month) Tel: 427-0790

69

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

Sunday School: 9a.m.

Tel: 428-8087/428-9147

Christian

St Lawrence Anglican Church St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church Sunday Services: 7:30a.m. & 9:30a.m.

Tel: 420-7679

Church of Christ Oistins, Christ Church (opposite Oistins Police Station) Sunday Services: 10a.m. & 6:30p.m.

Tel: 428-1807

St Peter Parish Church Orange Street, Speightstown, St Peter Sunday Services: 7:30a.m & 9:15a.m.

Tel: 432-9000/422-2181 (Rector), 422-3599 (Church)

Apostolic CHC Gates of Praise Sunday Services: 8:30a.m. & 6:30p.m.

Tel: 428-2166

Bahai National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahais of Barbados 2nd Ave., Belleville, St Michael Devotions: Sundays – 9a.m.

Tel: 429-9424

Baptist Emmanuel Baptist Church President Kennedy Drive, St. Michael Sunday Services: 8:30a.m., 11a.m., & 6p.m.

Tel: 426-2697

Church of Christ Hindsbury Road, St Michael Sunday Worship: 9:30a.m. and 6:30p.m.

Tel: Adrian 424-0405, Oxford 437-9874

Grace Bible Church Paddock Road, Dalkeith, St Michael Sunday Services: 8:30 a.m. & 7:15p.m Tel: 427-1054, Email: gbcbarbados.org Grace Bible Church Wellhouse, St Philip Sunday Services: – 9a.m. & 7:15 pm

Christian Science First Church of Christ Scientist Corner Aquatic Gap, Bay Street, Bridgetown Sunday Services : 11a.m.

Tel: 426-7799

Evangelical Berean Bible Church Passage Road, St Michael Sunday Services: Sundays 10:30a.m.

Tel: 429-4454, 426-4707 Mount Olive Holy Temple Grosvenor Road, Carrington’s Village, St Michael Sunday Services: 8a.m., 10a.m., & 6:30p.m.

Tel: 427-3768

Buddhist Soka Gakkai Members are invited to meetings held weekly.

Tel: 432-9368 or 234-8412 Tara Kadampa Buddhist Centre Harts Gap, Christ Church (enter from Coast road, 4th house on the left) Sundays : 9:30a.m.

Tel: 435-3894 70

Mount of Praise Wesleyan Holiness Church Tudor Bridge, St Michael Sunday Services: 7:00am, 9:45a.m. & 6 p.m.

Tel: 424-6929/424-4401 Sanctuary Empowerment Centre Country Road, St Michael Sunday Services: 9:30a.m Tel: 431-0016/416-4542

Brethren

Mormon

Ebenezer Gospel Hall Crumpton Street, Bridgetown Sunday Services: 11a.m. and 6p.m.

Tel: 432-0811 or 420-1469

Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints Black Rock, St Michael.

Sunday Service: 10a.m.

Tel: 424-7406 or 228-0210 *Rendezvous Hill, Christ Church branch.

Sunday Service: 10a.m.

Tel: 435-9665 or 435-8335 *Church Hill, Oistins, Christ Church, branch.

Sunday Service: 10a.m.

Tel: 428-5361 or 4202678

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

Juma 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

Pentecostal Revival Time Assembly Maxwell Hill, Christ Church Sunday Services: 8a.m. & 10:15a.m. & 6p.m.

Tel: 428-1041 The People’s Cathedral Bishop’s Court Hill, St Michael Sunday Services: 7:30a.m., 10a.m. and 6p.m.

Family Bible Hour: 9a.m.

Tel: (246) 429-2145 Second Chance Ministries St. Martin, St Philip Sunday Service: 10:30a.m.

Tel: 416-4216

Jewish Roman Catholic The Barbados Jewish Community Winter Shabbat services will be at NIDHE ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE and the Jewish Museum, Synagogue Lane, Bridgetown as from Friday Dec 18.

Summer services will be at SHAARE TZEDEK SYNAGOGUE, Rockley New Road, Christ Church, every Friday evening.

Friday evening Shabbat service starts at 7:30p.m.

Tel: 427-7611, 228-2102, 426-4764, 428-8414, 432-1114, 431-0490

Methodist Methodist Church of Barbados James Street, St. Michael Sunday Services: 9 a.m and 5:30 p.m Tel: 436-6859 or 436-6860

St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral Bay street and Jemmontt’s Lane, St Michael.

Sunday Mass: 7a.m., 11a.m. and 6p.m.

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

Tel: 428-7677 St Francis of Assisi The Garden, St James Sundays: 8a.m. and 10:30a.m.

Tel: 422-2431 Our Lady of the Rosary Verdun, St John Tel: 426-2325 71

Info Our Lady of Sorrows Ashton Hall, St Peter Sunday Mass: 9a.m.

Tel: 422-2179 Our Lady Queen of the Universe Black Rock, St Michael.

Sunday Mass: 6:30a.m. and 8:30a.m.

Tel: 427-2241 Sacred Heart Parish St. Philip Sundays: at Beulah Methodist Church – 7a.m.

Tel: (St Patricks) 426-2325

Spiritual Baptist Sons of God Apostolic Spiritual Baptist Faith Jerusalem Apostolic Cathedral Ealing Grove, Christ Church Sunday worship: 9a.m.

Tel: 428-8738 Zion Apostolic Temple Richmond Gap, St Michael Sunday worship: 6p.m.

Real Estate

Services Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 4th Avenue Belleville, St Michael Tel: 426-5041 Barbados Tourism Authority Harbour Rd, Bridgetown, Barbados Tel: 427-2623 Ministry of Tourism Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre Two Mile Hill, St. Michael Tel: 430-7500

Shopping The Royal Shop 32 Broad Street, Bridgetown Tel: 429-7072 or 431-0296

Travel 1st Choice Car Rental Worthing Main Road, Christ Church Tel: 434-2277 Coconut Car Rentals Bayside, Bay Street, St. Michael Tel: 437-0297 Courtesy Rent-A-Car Wildey, St. Michael Tel: 431-4160 or 418-2500

Realtors Limited Realtors is a fully integrated real estate company offering a comprehensive portfolio of property services in Barbados including sales, property management, short and long term villa rentals, property development, appraisals and insurance.

Holetown, St. James, Barbados, BB24016, W.I. Tel: (246) 432-6930, Fax: (246) 432-6919 Info@arbadosrealtorslimited.com www.barbadosrealtorslimited.com

72

Drive-A-Matic Ltd. Lower Carlton, St. James Tel: 424-4000 Executive Car Rental 9 & 10 Tamkris, Worthing, Christ Church Tel: 228-1993 Top Car Rentals Ltd. Rockley New Rd., Christ Church Tel: 435-0378