Barbados, American Independence and George Washington
Most people probably don’t realize it, I didn’t know until I did some research before our visit to Barbados last fall, there are many cases where Barbadian leaders and their form of government influenced our own struggle. for freedom and the resulting Declaration. of Independence, as well as the Bill of Rights.
Very strong ties to the colonies had been established as far back as 1649, when a group calling itself the Barbados Society of Knight Adventurers set out north and opened up the Carolinas (seven of the first twenty-one governors were Barbadians, as were two in Massachusetts). .
As the founders who organized the colonies of the Carolinas were from Barbados and the first governor of South Carolina, their influence was felt greatly in the colonies. A clause that says: “No taxes, customs, special import taxes or levies will be established. Made on any of the inhabitants of this island without their consent in a General Assembly.”
Barbados also had its own tea party with a similar outcome to the Boston tea party.
Historians who have studied both documents, the Treaty of Oistins and the Declaration of Independence, have found that more than half of the language of the Treaties is incorporated into our Declaration of Independence. Obviously there were many consultations with Barbadians regarding forming our own government.
Hoping to cure his half brother Lawrence’s pneumonia, George Washington stayed on the island for six weeks in 1751 in a residence now called “The George Washington House.” At just nineteen at the time, it was Washington’s only visit outside of the United States.
Washington greatly enjoyed his stay, citing the wide and pleasant view of both land and sea. The monthly fee of $ 75 allowed him to use the house and allowed him to take many night walks to enjoy the scenery and pleasant evenings.
The island has come a long way since the Barrancoid Indians landed in 500 AD. Over the past 300 years or so, the island has become one of the most successful of the Caribbean islands. Among its accomplishments, it has the highest number of returning visitors from any Caribbean island, a strong middle class, and the education system produces a 97% literacy rate.
There is no doubt that the future holds only good things for Barbados, because of their national pride, the people will remain strong and proud of their heritage.