Barbados: Difference between revisions

Content deleted Content added
(9 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 31:
|75.6% [[Christianity]]
|20.6% [[Irreligion in Latin America|no religion]]
|2.0% [[Baha'iBaháʼí faithFaith]]
|1.1% [[Hinduism]]
|0.7% [[Religion in Barbados|others]]<ref name="cia"/>
Line 97:
 
'''Barbados''' ({{IPAc-en|UK|b|ɑːr|ˈ|b|eɪ|d|ɒ|s}} {{respell|bar|BAY|doss}}; {{IPAc-en|US|b|ɑːr|ˈ|b|eɪ|d|oʊ|s}} {{respell|bar|BAY|dohss}}; {{IPAc-en|local|b|ɑːr|ˈ|b|eɪ|d|ə|s}} {{respell|bar|BAY|dəss}}) is an [[island country]] in the [[Lesser Antilles]] of the [[West Indies]], in the [[Caribbean]] region next to [[North America]] and north of
[[South America]], and is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands. It lies on the boundary of the [[South American platePlate|South American]] and the [[Caribbean Plate|Caribbean]]s plates. Its capital and largest city is [[Bridgetown]].
 
Inhabited by [[Island Caribs|Kalinago]] people since the 13th century, and prior to that by other [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Indigenous people]]s, Spanish navigators took possession of Barbados in the late 15th century, claiming it for the [[Crown of Castile]]. It first appeared on a Spanish map in 1511.<ref name="Spanish Main">{{cite book |last1=Sauer |first1=Carl Ortwin |title=Early Spanish Main, The |url={{GBurl|ayCi1EAaIWQC |pg=PA193}} |year=1969 |orig-year=1966 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=0-520-01415-4 |pages=192–197}}</ref> The [[Portuguese Empire]] claimed the island between 1532 and 1536, but abandoned it in 1620 with their only remnants being an introduction of wild boars for a good supply of meat whenever the island was visited. An [[Kingdom of England|English]] ship, the ''Olive Blossom'', arrived in Barbados on 14 May 1625; its men took possession of the island in the name of [[James VI and I|King James I]]. In 1627, the first permanent settlers arrived from England, and Barbados became an [[English overseas possessions|English]] and later [[British colonisation of the Americas#British Caribbean colonies|British colony]].<ref name="Commonwealth History">{{cite web |url=http://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/barbados/history |title=Barbados – History |author=Secretariat |work=[[Commonwealth of Nations]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820080026/http://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/barbados/history |archive-date=20 August 2014}}</ref> During this period, the colony operated on a [[plantation economy]], relying on the labour of [[Atlantic slave trade|African slaves]] who worked on the island's plantations. Slavery continued until it was phased out through most of the [[British Empire]] by the [[Slavery Abolition Act 1833]].
 
On 30 November 1966, Barbados moved towards political independence and assumed the status of a [[Commonwealth realm]], becoming a separate jurisdiction with [[Elizabeth II]] as the [[Queen of Barbados]]. On 30 November 2021, Barbados later transitioned to a [[Republics in the Commonwealth of Nations|republic within the Commonwealth]], replacing its monarchy with a ceremonial president.<ref>{{cite web |title=Barbadians celebrate the birth of a republic and bid farewell to the Queen |first1=Lauren |last1=Said-Moorhouse |first2=Max |last2=Foster
|date=2021-11-30 |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/29/americas/barbados-bids-farewell-to-queen-intl-cmd/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130080358/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/29/americas/barbados-bids-farewell-to-queen-intl-cmd/index.html |archive-date=2021-11-30 |access-date=2022-01-29 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/30/at-the-stroke-of-midnight-barbados-becomes-the-worlds-newest-republic|last=Safi|first=Michael|title=Barbados parts way with Queen and becomes world's newest republic|work=The Guardian|date=30 November 2021|access-date=30 November 2021|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130054632/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/30/at-the-stroke-of-midnight-barbados-becomes-the-worlds-newest-republic|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
Line 110:
The name "Barbados" is from either the [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] term {{lang|pt|os barbados}} or the Spanish equivalent, {{lang|es|los barbados}}, both meaning "the bearded ones".<ref>{{Cite journal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GekeS6uMj38C&dq=%22Barbados%22++Portuguese+spanish+bearded&pg=PA104 |title=To the Editor of the Colonial Journal |author=Dr Ainslie |editor=Dr Ainslie |journal=The Colonial Journal |publisher=G. Davidson |issue=1 |year=1816 |location=London |pages=104 |access-date=4 April 2023 |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418063559/https://books.google.com/books?id=GekeS6uMj38C&dq=%22Barbados%22++Portuguese+spanish+bearded&pg=PA104 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Fiske |first=Amos Kidder |author-link=Amos Kidder Fiske |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XUhsofUyHq4C&dq=%22Barbados%22++Portuguese+spanish+bearded&pg=PA357 |title=The West Indies: A History of the Islands of the West Indian Archipelago, Together with an Account of Their Physical Characteristics, Natural Resources, and Present Condition |date=1899 |publisher=G. P. Putnam's Sons |pages=357 |access-date=4 April 2023 |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418063558/https://books.google.com/books?id=XUhsofUyHq4C&dq=%22Barbados%22++Portuguese+spanish+bearded&pg=PA357 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is unclear whether "bearded" refers to the long, hanging roots of the bearded [[fig-tree]] (''[[Ficus citrifolia]]''), a species of [[banyan]] indigenous to the island, or to the allegedly bearded [[Kalinago]] (Island Caribs) who once inhabited the island, or, more fancifully, to a visual impression of a beard formed by the sea foam that sprays over the outlying coral reefs. In 1519, a map produced by the [[Genoa|Genoese]] mapmaker [[Visconte Maggiolo]] showed and named Barbados in its correct position.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}} Furthermore, the island of [[Barbuda]] in the [[Leeward Islands|Leewards]] is very similar in name and was once named "{{lang|es|Las Barbudas|italic=unset}}" by the Spanish.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}
 
The original name for Barbados in the [[Pre-Columbian era]] was {{lang|awd|Ichirouganaim}}, according to accounts by descendants of the indigenousIndigenous [[Arawakan languages|Arawakan]]-speaking tribes in other regional areas, with possible translations including "Red land with white teeth"<ref>{{Cite book |title=Barbados the Red Land with White Teeth: Home of the Amerindians |url=http://www.barbmuse.org.bb/ |access-date=14 May 2010 |publisher=Barbados Museum & Historical Society |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505161730/http://www.barbmuse.org.bb/ |archive-date=5 May 2010 |url-status=dead |quote=A temporary exhibit which examined some of the preliminary excavations conducted at the dig site at Heywoods, St. Peter.}}</ref> or "Redstone island with teeth outside (reefs)"<ref>{{Cite book |title=Barbados – Geography / History |url=http://www.coucouandflyingfish.com/where.php |access-date=14 May 2010 |year=2008 |publisher=Fun 'N' Sun Publishing Inc. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213141038/http://www.coucouandflyingfish.com/where.php |archive-date=13 December 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> or simply "Teeth".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pantribalconfederacy.com/confederacy/News/pdf/guyana_consul_visit.pdf |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160524005039/http%3A//www.pantribalconfederacy.com/confederacy/News/pdf/guyana_consul_visit.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 May 2016 |title=Guyana Consul (Barbados) Visit to Former Amerindian Village Site in B'dos |first=Norman |last=Faria |date=17 June 2009 |work=Guyana Chronicle |publisher=Pan-Tribal Confederacy of Indigenous Tribal Nations |page=2 |access-date=14 May 2010 |quote=Adjacent to the park, there is still a fresh water stream. This as a main reason the village was here. A hundred or so metres away is the sea and a further five hundred metres [{{cvt|500|m|yd |-1 |disp=out}}] out across a lagoon was the outlying reef where the Atlantic swells broke on the coral in shallow waters. As an aside, the word "''Ichirouganaim''", said to be an Arawak word used by the Amerindians to describe Barbados, is thought to refer to the "teeth" imagery of the waves breaking on the reefs off most of southern and eastern coasts. }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Drewett |first1=Peter |author1-link=Peter Drewett |title=Prehistoric Barbados |publisher=Barbados Museum and Historical Society |year=1991 |isbn=1-873132-15-8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Drewett |first1=Peter |title=Prehistoric Settlements in the Caribbean: Fieldwork on Barbados, Tortola and the Cayman Islands |date=2000 |publisher=Archetype Publications Ltd. |isbn=1-873132-22-0}}</ref>
 
Colloquially, Barbadians refer to their home island as "Bim" or other nicknames associated with Barbados, including "Bimshire". The origin is uncertain, but several theories exist. The [[National Cultural Foundation]] of Barbados says that "Bim" was a word commonly used by [[slave]]s, and that it derives from the [[Igbo language|Igbo]] term {{lang|ig|bém}} from {{lang|ig|bé mụ́}} meaning "my home, kindred, kind";<ref name="Carrington, Sean 2007 25">{{Cite book |author=Carrington, Sean |title=A~Z of Barbados Heritage |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aSccAQAAIAAJ&q=%22Bimshire%22|year=2007 |publisher=Macmillan Caribbean Publishers Limited |page=25 |isbn=978-0-333-92068-8}}</ref> the Igbo phoneme {{IPA|ig|e|}} in the Igbo orthography is very close to {{IPAc-en|ɪ}}.<ref name=Allsopp2003>{{cite book |title=Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage |first=Richard |last=Allsopp |author2=Allsopp, Jeannette |page=[https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofcari0000unse/page/101 101] |publisher=University of the West Indies Press |year=2003 |isbn=9766401454 |url=https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofcari0000unse/page/101}}</ref> The name could have arisen due to the relatively large percentage of [[Igbo people|Igbo]] slaves from modern-day southeastern [[Nigeria]] arriving in Barbados in the 18th century.<ref name=EltisRichardson1997>{{cite book |title=Routes to Slavery: Direction, Ethnicity, and Mortality in the Transatlantic Slave Trade |first=David |last=Eltis |author2=Richardson, David |page=87 |publisher=Routledge |year=1997 |access-date=24 November 2008 |url={{GBurl|kuXEzQZQmawC |pg=PA87}} |isbn=978-0-7146-4820-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Black Experience and the Empire |first=Philip D. |last=Morgan |author-link=Philip D. Morgan |author2=Hawkins, Sean |isbn=0-19-926029-X |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2004 |page=82 |url={{GBurl|kG824iVy1BsC |pg=PA82}} }}</ref> The words "Bim" and "Bimshire" are recorded in the ''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]'' and ''[[Chambers Dictionary|Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionaries]]''. Another possible source for "Bim" is reported to be in the ''Agricultural Reporter'' of 25 April 1868, where the Rev. N. Greenidge (father of one of the island's most famous scholars, [[Abel Hendy Jones Greenidge]]) suggested that Bimshire was "introduced by an old planter listing it as a county of England". Expressly named were "Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire and Bimshire".<ref name="Carrington, Sean 2007 25"/> Lastly, in the ''Daily Argosy'' (of Demerara, i.e. Guyana) of 1652, there is a reference to Bim as a possible corruption of "Byam", the name of a Royalist leader against the Parliamentarians. That source suggested the followers of Byam became known as "Bims" and that this became a word for all Barbadians.<ref name="Carrington, Sean 2007 25"/>
Line 120:
 
=== Geological history ===
Around 700,000 years ago, the island emerged from the ocean as a body of soft rock known as a [[diapir]] rose from the mantle beneath its present-day location. This process is still ongoing, raising Barbados at an average rate of 30 centimeters per thousand years.<ref name="earthmagazine">{{cite web|url=https://www.earthmagazine.org/article/travels-geology-barbados-ascending-sea-level-staircase/|title=Travels in Geology: Barbados: Ascending the sea-level staircase|first=Terri|last=Cook|author2first2=Lon |last2=Abbott|website=Earth Magazine|date=7 June 2018|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=31 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531170107/https://www.earthmagazine.org/article/travels-geology-barbados-ascending-sea-level-staircase/|url-status=live}}</ref> Dozens of inland sea reefs still dominate coastal features within terraces and cliffs on the island.<ref>{{cite web|urlname=https://www."earthmagazine.org"/article/travels-geology-barbados-ascending-sea-level-staircase/|title=Travels in Geology: Barbados: Climbing the Giant's Staircase|first=Terri|last=Cook|author2=Lon Abbott|website=Earth Magazine| date=7 June 2018|access-date=20 June 2024|archive-date=31 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531170107/https://www.earthmagazine.org/article/travels-geology-barbados-ascending-sea-level-staircase/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
=== Pre-colonial period ===
 
Archeological evidence suggests humans may have first settled or visited the island {{circa|1600 BC}}.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Barbados |title= Barbados |website=Encyclopedia Britannica- Barbados |access-date=9 July 2019 |archive-date=8 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008193237/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/52655/Barbados/54603/History |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Drewett, Peter (1993). "Excavations at Heywoods, Barbados, and the Economic Basis of the Suazoid Period in the Lesser Antilles", ''Journal of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society'' 38:113–137.</ref><ref>Fitzpatrick, Scott M., "A critical approach to c14 dating in the Caribbean", ''Latin American Antiquity'', 17 (4), pp. 389 ff.</ref> More permanent [[Amerindian]] settlement of Barbados dates to about the 4th to 7th centuries AD, by a group known as the [[Saladoid]]-Barrancoid.<ref>[[Hilary McD. Beckles|Beckles, Hilary McD.]] ''A History of Barbados: From Amerindian Settlement to Caribbean Single Market'' (Cambridge University Press, 2007 edition).</ref> Settlements of [[Arawaks]] from South America appeared by around 800 AD and again in the 12th–13th century.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> The [[Kalinago]] (called "[[Island Caribs|Caribs]]" by the Spanish) visited the island regularly, although there is no evidence of permanent settlement.<ref name="Watson">{{cite book |last=Watson |first=Karl |date=1997 |editor-last=Ali |editor-first=Arif |editor-link=Arif Ali (publisher) |title=Barbados |publisher=Hansib |chapter=A brief history of Barbados }}</ref>
 
=== European arrival ===
Line 154:
==== The sugar revolution ====
 
The introduction of [[sugar cane]] from [[Dutch Brazil]] in 1640 completely transformed society, the economy and the physical landscape. Barbados eventually had one of the world's biggest sugar industries.<ref name=beyond>{{Cite book |author-link=Arif Ali |author=Ali, Arif |title=Barbados: Just Beyond Your Imagination |pages=46, 48 |year=1997 |publisher=Hansib Publishing (Caribbean) Ltd |isbn=1-870518-54-3}}</ref> One group instrumental in ensuring the early success of the industry was the [[Sephardi Jews|Sephardic Jews]], who had originally been expelled from the [[Iberian peninsula]], to end up in [[Dutch Brazil]].<ref name="beyond"/> As the effects of the new crop increased, so did the shift in the ethnic composition of Barbados and surrounding islands.<ref name="Slavery and Economy in Barbados"/> The workable sugar plantation required a large investment and a great deal of heavy labour. At first, Dutch traders supplied the equipment, financing, and African slaves, in addition to transporting most of the sugar to Europe.<ref name="Slavery and Economy in Barbados"/><ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> In 1644 the population of Barbados was estimated at 30,000, of which about 800 were of African ancestry, with the remainder mainly of English ancestry. These English smallholders were eventually bought out and the island filled up with large sugar plantations worked by African slaves.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> By 1660 there was near parity with 27,000 blacksBlack people and 26,000 whitesWhite people. By 1666 at least 12,000 white smallholders had been bought out, died, or left the island, many choosing to emigrate to [[Jamaica]] or the [[Thirteen Colonies|American Colonies]] (notably the Carolinas).<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> As a result, Barbados enacted a [[Barbados Slave Code|slave code]] as a way of legislatively controlling its blackenslaved slaveBlack population.<ref>Jerome Handler, ''New West Indian Guide'' 91 (2017) 30–55</ref> The law's text was influential in laws in other colonies.<ref name=menard>[https://books.google.com/books?id=FyB24GZrJxAC&pg=PA112 ''Sweet Negotiations: Sugar, Slavery, and Plantation Agriculture in Early Barbados''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125230814/https://books.google.com/books?id=FyB24GZrJxAC&pg=PA112 |date=25 January 2021 }}, Chapter 6 "The Expansion of Barbados", p. 112</ref>
 
By 1680 there were 20,000 free whites and 46,000 enslaved Africans;<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> by 1724, there were 18,000 free whites and 55,000 enslaved Africans.<ref name="Slavery and Economy in Barbados"/>
Line 194:
On 20 June 2022, a Constitutional Review Commission was formed and sworn in by Jeffrey Gibson (who at the time was serving temporarily as Acting President of Barbados) to review the Constitution of Barbados.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-20 |title=Members of Constitutional Review Commission sworn in |url=https://www.nationnews.com/2022/06/20/members-constitutional-review-commission-sworn/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=nationnews.com |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621191900/https://www.nationnews.com/2022/06/20/members-constitutional-review-commission-sworn/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
The commission was given a 15-month timeline to complete its work, which included consulting the public about the new republic and drafting a constitution.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Constitutional Reform Commission of Barbados: Much Expectation, Great Skepticism|last1=Barrow-Giles |first1=Cynthia |last2=Yearwood|first2=Rico|url=https://constitutionnet.org/news/constitutional-reform-commission-barbados-much-expectation-great-skepticism|date=12 August 2022|work=ConstitutionNet}}</ref> Thus, the CRC engaged the public in a number of public meetings, lectures, and [[Twitter Spaces]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Public Meetings|url=https://www.crcbarbados.com/public-meetings|work=Constitutional Reform Commission|date=15 January 2024 }}</ref> The report was announced delayed by August 2023,<ref>{{cite web|title=Report of Constitutional Reform Commission delayed until 2024|last=Joseph |first=Emmanuel|work=Barbados Today |url=https://barbadostoday.bb/2023/08/23/not-ready/amp/|date=23 August 2023}}</ref> with the final report submitted 30 June 2024.<ref>{{cite web|title=Constitutional Reform Commission gets another extension|work=Barbados Today|url=https://barbadostoday.bb/2024/04/26/constitutional-reform-commission-gets-another-extension/
|date=26 April 2024}}</ref>
 
Line 202:
[[Image:Barbados-2022 englisch.png|thumb|upright=1.1|Map of Barbados]]
Barbados is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, east of the other [[West Indies]] Islands. Barbados is the easternmost island in the [[Lesser Antilles]]. It is {{convert|34|km|mi|abbr=off}} long and up to {{cvt|23|km|mi}} wide, covering an area of {{cvt|439|km2}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-08-02 |title=Barbados country profile |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-18723928 |access-date=2023-10-02 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002085534/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-18723928 |url-status=live }}</ref> It lies about {{cvt|168|km}} east of both the countries of [[Saint Lucia]] and [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]]; {{cvt|180|km}} south-east of [[Martinique]] and {{cvt|400|km}} north-east of [[Trinidad and Tobago]]. It is flat in comparison to its island neighbours to the west, the [[Windward Islands]]. The island rises gently to the central highland region known as Scotland District, with the highest point being [[Mount Hillaby]] {{cvt|340|m|ft}} above sea level.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/>
 
In Barbados [[forest cover]] is around 15% of the total land area, equivalent to 6,300 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, which was unchanged from 1990. In 2020, naturally regenerating forest covered 6,300 hectares (ha) and planted forest covered 0 hectares (ha). Of the naturally regenerating forest 0% was reported to be [[primary forest]] (consisting of native tree species with no clearly visible indications of human activity) and around 5% of the forest area was found within protected areas. For the year 2015, 1% of the forest area was reported to be under [[State ownership|public ownership]], 0% [[Private property|private ownership]] and 99% with ownership listed as other or unknown.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6e225da-4a31-4e06-818d-ca3aeadfd635/content |title=Terms and Definitions FRA 2025 Forest Resources Assessment, Working Paper 194 |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |year=2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, Barbados |url=https://fra-data.fao.org/assessments/fra/2020/BRB/home/overview |website=Food Agriculture Organization of the United Nations}}</ref>
 
In the parish of [[Saint Michael, Barbados|Saint Michael]] lies Barbados's capital and main city, [[Bridgetown]], containing one third of the country's population.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> Other major towns scattered across the island include [[Holetown]], in the parish of [[Saint James, Barbados|Saint James]]; [[Oistins]], in the parish of [[Christ Church, Barbados|Christ Church]]; and [[Speightstown]], in the parish of [[Saint Peter, Barbados|Saint Peter]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}
Line 207 ⟶ 209:
=== Geology ===
 
Barbados lies on the boundary of the [[South American platePlate|South American]] and the [[Caribbean Plate]]s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Geologic History of Barbados Beaches |first=Gabi |last=Logan |url=http://traveltips.usatoday.com/geologic-history-barbados-beaches-57660.html |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |access-date=2 July 2011 |quote=Barbados lies directly over the intersection of the Caribbean platePlate and the South American platePlate in a region known as a subduction zone. Beneath the ocean floor, the South American platePlate slowly slides below the Caribbean platePlate. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322063852/http://traveltips.usatoday.com/geologic-history-barbados-beaches-57660.html |archive-date=22 March 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[subduction]] of the South American platePlate beneath the Caribbean platePlate scrapes sediment from the South American platePlate and deposits it above the subduction zone forming an [[Accretionary wedge|accretionary prism]]. The rate of this depositing of material allows Barbados to rise at a rate of about {{cvt|25|mm|in|0}} per 1,000 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barbadosbeachhouse.com/barbados_sightseeing_animal_flower_cave.php |title=Barbados Sightseeing – Animal Flower Cave |year=2010 |work=Leigh Designs |publisher=Little Bay House |access-date=10 July 2011 |quote=The Animal flower Cave is the island's lone accessible sea-cave and was discovered from the sea in 1780 by two English explorers. The cave's coral floor is estimated to be 400,000 to 500,000 years old and the "younger" coral section above the floor is about 126,000 years old. The dating was carried out by the German Geographical Institute, and visitors can see a "map" of the dating work in the bar and restaurant. The cave now stands some six feet above the high tide mark even though it was formed at sea level. This is because Barbados is rising about one inch per 1,000 years, which is yet another indication of the cave's age. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111212233710/http://www.barbadosbeachhouse.com/barbados_sightseeing_animal_flower_cave.php |archive-date=12 December 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> This subduction means [[Geology|geologically]] the island is composed of [[coral]] roughly {{cvt|90|m|ft}} thick, where reefs formed above the sediment. The land slopes in a series of "terraces" in the west and goes into an incline in the east. A large proportion of the island is circled by [[coral reefs]].<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/>
 
The erosion of [[limestone]] in the northeast of the island, in the Scotland District, has resulted in the formation of various [[cave]]s and [[Gully|gullies]]. On the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] east coast of the island [[coastal landforms]], including [[Stack (geology)|stacks]], have been created due to the limestone composition of the area. Also notable in the island is the rocky cape known as [[Pico Teneriffe (Barbados)|Pico Teneriffe]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/barbados-attractions/beaches-and-bays/north-coast-beaches/pico-teneriffe.html |title=Pico Teneriffe – Barbados Pocket Guide |last=Gloria |website=barbadospocketguide.com |access-date=3 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127022828/http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/barbados-attractions/beaches-and-bays/north-coast-beaches/pico-teneriffe.html |archive-date=27 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> or Pico de Tenerife, which is named after the fact that the island of [[Tenerife]] in Spain is the first land east of Barbados according to the belief of the locals.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}
Line 396 ⟶ 398:
 
=== Art ===
Barbadian art has evolved over the centuries, influenced by the island's complex history, which includes indigenousIndigenous cultures, colonial periods, and the subsequent emergence of a vibrant post-colonial identity. The interplay of African, European, and Caribbean influences has given rise to a unique artistic heritage that continues to inspire contemporary artists.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}
 
The latter part of the 20th century and into the 21st century witnessed a cultural renaissance in Barbadian art now documented by [https://www.raskalmag.com/ '''Raskal Magazine'''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204040650/https://www.raskalmag.com/ |date=4 December 2023 }}. Artists began to explore diverse mediums and techniques, blending traditional practices with contemporary expressions. This period of experimentation contributed to the dynamic and multifaceted nature of Barbadian art, reflecting the island's openness to cultural exchange and adaptation.
Line 433 ⟶ 435:
[[Ryan Brathwaite]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.iaaf.org/athletes/biographies/country=BAR/athcode=208833/index.html |title=iaaf.org – Athletes – Brathwaite Ryan Biography |access-date=30 January 2022 |archive-date=1 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501135055/http://www.iaaf.org/athletes/biographies/country=BAR/athcode=208833/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> won a [[gold medal]] in the [[110 metres hurdles]] at the [[2009 World Championships in Athletics]] in Berlin.<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/08/20/sports-ath-worlds-men-apos-s-110-hurdles_6800205.html Associated Press, "Brathwaite wins men's 110-meter hurdles at worlds", Aug. 20, 2009]{{dead link|date=January 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
 
[[Rugby union|Rugby]] is also popular in Barbados.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BARBADOS RUGBY CLUB {{!}} Sporting Barbados |url=https://www.sportingbarbados.com/sporting-contacts/barbados-rugby-club |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=sportingbarbados.com |date=5 September 2011 |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329030838/https://www.sportingbarbados.com/sporting-contacts/barbados-rugby-club |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
[[Horse racing]] takes place at the [[Garrison Savannah Racetrack|Historic Garrison Savannah]] close to Bridgetown. Spectators can pay for admission to the stands. Admission to the Grand Stand costs between US$2.50 and US$5.00.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Barbados Turf Club {{!}} horseracing in Barbados |url=https://www.barbadosbarbados.com/activity/barbados-turf-club-garrison-savannah/ |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=Barbados Barbados |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329032833/https://www.barbadosbarbados.com/activity/barbados-turf-club-garrison-savannah/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Line 454 ⟶ 456:
Barbados also hosts several international surfing competitions.<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.visitbarbados.org/world-surfing-league-barbados-surf-pro|title=World Surfing League|publisher=Visit Barbados|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117025710/https://www.visitbarbados.org/world-surfing-league-barbados-surf-pro|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
[[Netball]] is also popular with women in Barbados.<ref>{{Cite webnews |date=2020-12-07 |title=Netball |url=https://olympic.org.bb/netball-2/ |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=The Barbados Olympic Association Inc. |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329040838/https://olympic.org.bb/netball-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
Several players in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) are from Barbados, including [[Robert Bailey (American football)|Robert Bailey]], [[Roger Farmer]], [[Elvis Joseph]], [[Ramon Harewood]] and [[Sam Seale]].<ref>Grasso, John (2013). ''Historical Dictionary of Football''. Scarecrow Press. Page 484. {{ISBN|9780810878570}}.</ref>
Line 526 ⟶ 528:
 
=== General information ===
 
* {{curlie|Regional/Caribbean/Barbados}}
* {{Wikiatlas|Barbados}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|}}