10 Popular People in Barbados

10 Popular People in Barbados

Barbados is a beautiful Caribbean island known for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, and friendly people. The island has produced many famous individuals who have made their mark on the world stage. Here are ten popular people in Barbados:

1.     Rihanna - Born and raised in Barbados, Rihanna is an international pop star known for hit songs like "Umbrella" and "Diamonds."

2.     Sir Garfield Sobers - One of the greatest cricketers of all time, Sir Garfield Sobers is a national hero in Barbados.

3.     Errol Barrow - The first Prime Minister of Barbados, Errol Barrow is credited with leading the island to independence from the British in 1966.

4.     Kamau Brathwaite - A poet and academic, Kamau Brathwaite is known for his contributions to the study of Caribbean literature.

5.     Brian Lara - Another cricket legend, Brian Lara was born in Trinidad but spent much of his childhood in Barbados.

6.     Sir Frank Worrell - A former West Indies cricket captain, Sir Frank Worrell is considered one of the greatest players of all time.

7.     David Thompson - A former Prime Minister of Barbados, David Thompson led the country from 2008 until his death in 2010.

8.     Shontelle - Another Barbadian pop star, Shontelle is known for songs like "T-Shirt" and "Impossible."

9.     Stedson Wiltshire - Better known by his stage name Red Plastic Bag, Stedson Wiltshire is a popular calypso singer.

10.  Joel Garner - Yet another cricket great, Joel Garner is a former West Indies fast bowler who played for Barbados in domestic cricket.

Rihanna - Born and raised in Barbados, Rihanna is an international pop star known for hit songs like "Umbrella" and "Diamonds."

Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was born on February 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados. She was discovered by American record producer Evan Rogers in 2003, while she was performing in a Barbadian girl group. After signing with Def Jam Recordings, Rihanna released her debut album, "Music of the Sun," in 2005. Her breakthrough single, "Pon de Replay," quickly topped the charts and established her as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Over the years, Rihanna has released many chart-topping hits, including "Umbrella," "Disturbia," and "Diamonds." She has won numerous awards, including nine Grammy Awards, thirteen American Music Awards and twelve Billboard Music Awards. In addition to her success in the music industry, Rihanna has also made a name for herself in the fashion and beauty industries. She has launched her own makeup line, Fenty Beauty, which has been praised for its inclusivity and diversity.

Despite her success, Rihanna has also been vocal about her struggles with mental health and personal challenges. She has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and to support various charitable causes. Rihanna's talent, hard work, and dedication have made her a beloved and inspiring figure for fans around the world.

Sir Garfield Sobers - One of the greatest cricketers of all time, Sir Garfield Sobers is a national hero in Barbados.

Sir Garfield Sobers is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, having left an indelible mark on the sport with his incredible skills. Born in Barbados, Sobers is revered as a national hero in his home country. He played for the West Indies team for over two decades, amassing numerous records and accolades along the way.

Sobers was a true all-rounder, excelling in both batting and bowling. He was known for his elegant and powerful strokeplay, which saw him score over 8,000 runs in test cricket alone. His bowling was equally impressive, with an impressive tally of over 200 test wickets. However, Sobers was much more than just a talented cricketer. He was a leader on and off the field, and his sportsmanship and humility were admired by fans and fellow players alike.

Sobers' impact on cricket was so immense that he was knighted by the Queen in 1975. He continues to be an inspiration to young cricketers around the world, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.

Errol Barrow - The first Prime Minister of Barbados, Errol Barrow is credited with leading the island to independence from the British in 1966.

Errol Barrow was a prominent Barbadian politician who played a vital role in leading the island nation to independence from British colonial rule. Born on January 21, 1920, in the parish of Saint Lucy, Barbados, Barrow was the son of a poor family. Despite facing financial constraints, he was an exceptional student and went on to study law at the Inns of Court in London.

After completing his studies, Barrow returned to Barbados and began practicing law. He was soon drawn to politics and joined the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) in 1949. However, in 1955, he left the BLP to form the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), which went on to win the 1961 elections.

As the first Prime Minister of Barbados, Barrow was determined to lead the country to independence, which was achieved in 1966. He also implemented significant reforms in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, which improved the standard of living in Barbados.

Barrow's contribution to Barbados' development and independence is widely recognized, and he remains an iconic figure in the country's history. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Barbadians to strive for progress and development.

Kamau Brathwaite - A poet and academic, Kamau Brathwaite is known for his contributions to the study of Caribbean literature.

Kamau Brathwaite was a renowned poet and academic whose work made a significant impact on Caribbean literature. Born in Barbados in 1930, Brathwaite developed a passion for writing from an early age and went on to become one of the most influential figures in the field of Caribbean poetry. He is best known for his contributions to the study of Caribbean literature, including his groundbreaking work on the relationship between language and identity in the Caribbean.

Brathwaite's poetry is characterized by its use of Creole language, which he believed was essential to capturing the unique cultural and linguistic experiences of the Caribbean. Through his writing, he explored themes such as colonialism, race, and identity, often drawing on the history and folklore of the Caribbean to create powerful and evocative imagery.

In addition to his work as a poet, Brathwaite was also a respected academic, teaching at universities around the world and publishing numerous influential works on Caribbean literature and culture. His contributions to the field were widely recognized, earning him numerous awards and honors throughout his career. Despite his passing in 2020, Brathwaite's legacy continues to inspire and influence writers and scholars in the Caribbean and beyond.

Brian Lara - Another cricket legend, Brian Lara was born in Trinidad but spent much of his childhood in Barbados.

Brian Lara is a cricket legend who was born in Santa Cruz, Trinidad and Tobago, on May 2nd, 1969. Although he was born in Trinidad, he spent much of his childhood in Santa Cruz, Barbados, where he developed a love for cricket. Lara is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport and holds numerous records in both Test and One Day International cricket.

Lara's international career began in 1990 when he was selected to play for the West Indies cricket team. He quickly established himself as a key player and went on to score a staggering 11,953 runs in Test cricket, the highest by any West Indian batsman. Lara also holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket, having scored 400 not out against England in 2004.

In addition to his Test cricket success, Lara also had a successful One Day International career, scoring 10,405 runs and leading the West Indies to victory in the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2007, Lara's legacy continues to inspire future generations of cricketers around the world.

Sir Frank Worrell - A former West Indies cricket captain, Sir Frank Worrell is considered one of the greatest players of all time.

Sir Frank Worrell was a legendary cricketer and former captain of the West Indies cricket team. Born in Barbados in 1924, Worrell made his debut for the West Indies in 1948 and quickly established himself as one of the best players in the game. He was a stylish and aggressive batsman, known for his elegant stroke play and ability to dominate the opposition. Worrell's leadership skills were also highly regarded, and he was appointed captain of the West Indies in 1960.

Under Worrell's captaincy, the West Indies became a dominant force in world cricket. He led the team to a historic series victory over England in 1963, which was the first time a team from the Caribbean had won a Test series in England. Worrell was admired by his teammates and opponents alike for his sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct on the field.

Worrell passed away in 1967 at the age of 42, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, and his contributions to the sport have had a lasting impact on the West Indies cricket team. He was posthumously knighted in 1969, becoming the first black man to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

David Thompson - A former Prime Minister of Barbados, David Thompson led the country from 2008 until his death in 2010.

David John Howard Thompson was a prominent Barbadian politician and lawyer who served as the sixth Prime Minister of Barbados from 2008 until his untimely death in 2010. Thompson was born in London, England, on December 25, 1961, but grew up in Barbados. He earned a law degree from the University of the West Indies and later established his own law firm, which became one of the most successful in Barbados.

Thompson was a member of parliament in Barbados for over 20 years, serving as the leader of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) from 1994 until his death. He was widely respected for his leadership and his dedication to his country. During his two years as Prime Minister, Thompson implemented a number of policies aimed at improving the economy and promoting social justice. He also worked to strengthen relations between Barbados and other countries in the Caribbean and around the world.

Despite his relatively short time in office, Thompson is remembered as one of Barbados' most effective and beloved leaders. His legacy continues to inspire many in Barbados and beyond.

Shontelle - Another Barbadian pop star, Shontelle is known for songs like "T-Shirt" and "Impossible."

Shontelle is a talented Barbadian pop star who has made a name for herself in the music industry with her soulful voice and catchy melodies. Some of her most popular songs include "T-Shirt" and "Impossible," which have earned her a dedicated fanbase across the world.

Born in St. James, Barbados, Shontelle began singing at a young age and honed her skills by performing in local talent shows. She later moved to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a professional musician and eventually signed with Universal Motown Records.

Shontelle's music is known for its upbeat and uplifting tone, with lyrics that focus on self-love, empowerment, and overcoming obstacles. Her distinctive voice and catchy tunes have made her a favorite among pop music fans, and her success continues to inspire aspiring artists everywhere.

Stedson Wiltshire - Better known by his stage name Red Plastic Bag, Stedson Wiltshire is a popular calypso singer.

Stedson Wiltshire, also known as Red Plastic Bag, is a well-known calypso singer who has made a significant impact on Caribbean music. Born in Barbados, Wiltshire began his career in the early 1980s and has since released numerous hit songs that have resonated with audiences both locally and internationally.

One of his most popular songs, "Ragga Ragga," released in 1984, helped to solidify his status as a top-tier calypsonian. Throughout his career, Wiltshire has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Barbados Calypso Monarch title on multiple occasions.

His music is often described as upbeat and joyful, with catchy lyrics and memorable melodies that stay with listeners long after the song has ended. Red Plastic Bag's unique style has helped to shape the sound of modern calypso music, and his influence continues to be felt throughout the Caribbean and beyond.

Joel Garner - Yet another cricket great, Joel Garner is a former West Indies fast bowler who played for Barbados in domestic cricket.

Joel Garner is an exceptional former West Indies fast bowler who left a significant mark in the cricket world. Born on December 16, 1952, in Christ Church, Barbados, Joel played for his home country in domestic cricket. He is known for his towering height of 6 feet and 8 inches, which allowed him to generate immense bounce and pace, making it challenging for the batsmen to face him.

Joel Garner made his international debut in 1977 and went on to have a remarkable career that spanned over a decade. He played a pivotal role in the West Indies team that dominated world cricket in the 1980s. His ability to bowl accurate yorkers and bouncers, coupled with his intimidating presence, made him a nightmare for the opposition batsmen.

Garner was also a part of the West Indies team that won the first two editions of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1975 and 1979. In his 58 Tests, he took 259 wickets at an average of 20.97, which is a testament to his bowling prowess. Even after retiring from cricket, Joel Garner continues to inspire generations of fast bowlers with his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport.