Perched on the south coast of Barbados, the Garrison has long stood as a symbol of both colonial power and national pride. Once the military stronghold of the British West Indies, the Old Garrison Savannah was the epicentre of imperial command in the Eastern Caribbean. Today, the area, now referred to simply as “The Garrison,” has transformed into a vibrant cultural, sporting, and historical hub a mirror of Barbados’ journey from colony to nation.
The Old Garrison, established in 1780, was the largest British military base in the Caribbean. With its massive barracks, cannons, parade grounds, and stone fortifications, it was a formidable site that underscored Britain’s military reach. British troops stationed there were tasked with defending the island from French or Spanish attack, suppressing revolts, and projecting colonial power throughout the region. The area included St. Ann’s Fort, the Main Guard, and the Armoury structures that remain to this day as relics of a powerful and often painful past.
Life in the Old Garrison was rigid, hierarchical, and steeped in British military tradition. Marching bands, inspections, drills, and parades were routine. Slaves and later freed men were often recruited as labourers or support personnel. The Garrison Savannah, now known for horse racing, was once a drill field where regiments trained under the blazing Caribbean sun. The presence of the British military also meant that the area was well-developed compared to other parts of the island, with roads, schools, and medical facilities built to support the colonial elite.
Today, the New Garrison is a completely different entity. The cannons still line the Savannah’s perimeter and the clock tower still chimes, but the energy is no longer martial it is communal, celebratory, and proudly Bajan. The site has been recognised as part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation of “Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison,” signifying its global historical importance. Where red coats once marched, school children now gather, joggers circle the field, and families picnic under the mahogany trees.
The Garrison has become a site of convergence. It houses the Barbados Defence Force and the Barbados Museum & Historical Society both symbols of national identity and education. The Savannah is also a mecca for horse racing fans, especially during Gold Cup season, when the nation comes alive with excitement. And of course, it is a backdrop for national parades, Independence celebrations, and cultural festivals.
Most notably, it was at the Garrison Savannah on November 30, 2021, that Barbados formally removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and transitioned to a republic. In the same space where colonial troops once saluted the British crown, President Dame Sandra Mason was sworn in as the first head of state of a fully independent Barbados. That moment marked the culmination of centuries of change and positioned the Garrison as a symbol of Barbadian sovereignty and self-determination.
The Garrison’s evolution from an outpost of British imperialism to a place of Barbadian pride reflects the broader story of the island itself. The buildings may still whisper of empire, but the voices that now fill the air speak of freedom, resilience, and forward momentum. The Garrison, old and new, remains a testament to what Barbados has endured and what it has become.
