Chattel House: Barbadian slang for a small , movable house made of wood. The term harks back to the country’s plantation days when a plantation owner housed slaves in these houses, which were designed to move from one property to another. Today, the island is dotted with colorful – and, today,...

“This American Life” on National Public Radio aired an episode called “Social Contract” on June 18 that is a must-listen to anyone interested in the Caribbean. The show features two related stories this past week, the first on New York State politics and what a mess it’s...

Until April 23, you have the opportunity to view  the fascinating documentary of Barbados’ so-called Redlegs (click here), “Barbado’ed: Scotland’s Sugar Slaves,” by Chris Dolan. Or go  the Irish TV station www.tg4.tv, click on “documentaries” on the top of...

Built of limestone and brick in 1658, St Nicholas Abbey is a national treasure in Barbados, having been built just 30 years after the British settled the island and standing as possibly the last remaining authentic plantation home built in the New World. The home is a fascinating tourist attraction, sells...

Barbados was settled by the British in the early-1600s; it achieved independence in the mid-1960s. The island was never governed by another country and remains, in many ways, quite British. In what ways? I’m glad you asked. Greg and me (right) with our British friends Annie and David in West Sussex...

The water trampolines in the sea at the Boatyard feature Barbados' flag colors. I awoke wondering about Barbados’ flag. (You say you didn’t? You must lead a more exciting life than I …) Today is November 30, Independence Day here in Barbados and a national holiday. The entire island is...

The roundabouts throughout the island salute Barbados' Independence Day, this one by wrapping the trunk of a palm with the colors of the nation's flag. In November 1966, Barbados left home.  She was the jewel of the British colonies when she struck out on her own as an independent nation.  It...

Horse-drawn trams transported Bajans from 1885 to 1925 Now here’s a Barbados blast-from-the-past that some version of ought to be revisited: horse-drawn trams.  For 40 years – from 1885 until 1925 – people in Barbados climbed aboard a tram car pulled by a horse and run on tracks.  They...

Until April 23, you have the opportunity to view  the fascinating documentary of Barbados’ so-called Redlegs (click here), “Barbado’ed: Scotland’s Sugar Slaves,” by Chris Dolan. Or go  the Irish TV statiwww.tg4.tv, click on “documentaries” on the top of the...