By: La Shawna Griffith
The month of May in Barbados is filled with deep history from conquest to powerful moments of rememberance, the month of May has helped to shape the island’s identity.
May 4th, 1625 is a day that it is etched in the history of Barbados as on this day Captain John Powell landed on the uninhabited shores od Barbados and claimed the island in the name of King James I of England, this marked the start of colonization in Barbados.
As Barbados celebrates the Season of Emancipation, one of the most poignant commemeorations in May is the Sankofa Pilgrimage, held from May 6th to 13th 2025.
This event honors the 159th anniversary of the 1865 migration of 346 Barbadians to Liberia. In 2024, over 250 Liberians visited Barbados to reconnect with their ancestral roots, marking a powerful reunion between two nations linked by shared history and bloodlines. The pilgrimage featured cultural tours, genealogy workshops, and a plaque-laying ceremony in Bridgetown, symbolizing the enduring bond between Barbados and Liberia.
Not only is this a momentous part of our island’s history, it also shows the linkages between Barbados and Africa.
Outside of conquest and pilgrimage the island of Barbados has also had some momentous fetes in the maritime industry as on May 6th 1961, the Bridgetown Deep Water Harbour was opened by the premier of Barbados, the late Rt. Excellent, Sir Grantley Adams. This development transformed Barbados into a key maritime hub, boosting trade and tourism. The port’s establishment was a significant step in the island’s economic growth and modernization.
