What it means to be Barbadian

Often times when asked what it means to be Barbadian or “Bajan” as we call it, persons often retort with a similar group of answers. You get the usual “partying”, the occasional “drinking” and you may even get a “wah sorta question dah is bigman”, depending on who you ask. As a Barbadian myself, I personally believe we sell ourselves short. One of my favorite things to do while making my way around this island is to observe. We have a culture so rich and pure that we oftentimes forget to realize the beauty in it. 

When I think about being a Barbadian one of the first thing my mind goes to is the people. There’s an undeniable sense of community that can be seen. Bajans are generally a friendly people who can meet you today and make you feel like family. I also love the essence we give to our local characters, as I call them. We’ve progressed from notable figures such as the mauby woman and nut vendors to our new identifiable figures such as promoters and DJs, cricketers, even “Swift men”. Even doa we doan really claim dem. Our ability as a culture to turn these regular groups of people into local legends with their own folk lore and origin stories is unmatched. 

There’s also a great appreciation to be had for the subcultures that exist on our island. I’m talking the vans, rum shops, cars. I can go on and on. Even with its flaws the van culture has always been very intriguing. From the friendly rivalry between the workers to the mixes played on trips, transportation has never been so entertaining. On another note but on the same page “see he and doan see he” If you know you know. After a long day’s work some Barbadians seek solace in a bottle and good conversation. If you need a place to relax and feel accepted, make your way to a local rum shop. Ironically none of those things are my favorite about our local watering holes. Between the drunken stupors you can always expect a gem of wisdom, especially from a more senior patron. Whether it be direct or spoken as a regret the raw honesty breeds a conversation that sometimes needs to be heard. The prevalence of car enthusiasts on this island was not also understood. Coming up I would always pass the gas station on Sunday evening and wonder what a group of people could possibly gain from sitting car, drinking and exchanging words. As I got older, I realized it was much more than that. It emerged into a shareable interest, its own community. The passion embedded in love for these vehicles is something I now find charming. 

I had to save my favorite for last. In my opinion, no one builds a vibe like a Bajan. Whenever we gather the energy we create is like no other. The negativity slips away, and it replaced with a feeling so refreshing. Barbadians can take a case of Stag, some breadfruit and lil butter and create a gathering so wholesome you feel like you are transported to another destination. We know how to utilize limited resources and make it feel like something big. 

So, the next time someone asks you what It means to be a Barbadian remember this. What was mentioned is no where close to all of what our people encompass but it’s a start. I can confidently say that I am proud to represent a country so rich in essence, even if at times we don’t recognize it.