St. George, Barbados

St. George, Barbados is a parish located in the eastern part of Barbados, bordered by St. Thomas, Barbados to the north, St. Philip, Barbados to the east, Christ Church, Barbados to the south, and St. Michael, Barbados to the west. The parish is home to several notable Barbadians, including Rihanna, who was born in Saint Michael, Barbados but raised in Bridgetown, and Owen Arthur, a former Prime Minister of Barbados who served from 1994 to 2008. St. George is also close to the Grantley Adams International Airport, which serves as a major hub for Caribbean Airlines and LIAT. The parish is situated near the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, a popular tourist attraction that is home to monkeys, tortoises, and other wildlife.

Geography

St. George, Barbados is situated on the eastern coast of Barbados, with its coastline bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The parish is characterized by its rolling hills and scenic valleys, with the Scotland District being a notable geographic feature. The Barbados Landship movement, which was founded by Grantley Adams, played a significant role in the development of the parish's geography, with its focus on agriculture and land reform. The parish is also home to the Turner's Hall Woods, a forested area that is popular for hiking and birdwatching, with species such as the Barbados bullfinch and the Barbados warbler being found in the area. Nearby Bathsheba, Barbados is a popular spot for surfing and paddleboarding, with its strong trade winds and ocean currents.

History

The history of St. George, Barbados dates back to the 17th century, when the parish was first settled by English colonizers. The parish was named after Saint George, the patron saint of England, and was established in 1645. During the Barbados Slave Revolt of 1675, the parish was a key location for the slave uprising, with many African slaves escaping to the nearby forests and hills. The parish is also home to the St. George's Parish Church, a historic Anglican church that was built in 1784 and features a steeple designed by James Gibbs. Nearby Harrison's Cave is a popular tourist attraction, with its stunning limestone formations and underground pools. The parish has also been influenced by the British Empire, with many British monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II and King George V, having visited the island.

Demographics

The demographics of St. George, Barbados are characterized by a diverse population of Barbadians, with a mix of African, European, and Asian ancestry. The parish has a population of around 19,000 people, with a density of approximately 690 people per square kilometer. The parish is home to several schools, including the St. George Primary School and the Ellerslie Secondary School, which are part of the Barbados Ministry of Education. The parish also has a high percentage of Christians, with many churches and chapels throughout the area, including the St. George's Parish Church and the St. Luke's Church. Nearby Bridgetown is a major urban center, with a population of over 100,000 people and a diverse range of cultural and economic activities.

Economy

The economy of St. George, Barbados is driven by a mix of agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The parish is home to several sugar cane plantations, which produce sugar and rum for both local and international markets. The parish is also a popular tourist destination, with many hotels and resorts catering to visitors from around the world, including the Sandy Lane Hotel and the Cobblers Cove Hotel. The parish has a strong infrastructure, with several major roads and highways connecting it to other parts of the island, including the Highway 4 and the Highway 5. Nearby Speightstown is a major commercial center, with a range of shops, restaurants, and services.

Landmarks

St. George, Barbados is home to several notable landmarks, including the St. George's Parish Church, the Turner's Hall Woods, and the Bathsheba, Barbados coastline. The parish is also close to the Harrison's Cave, a popular tourist attraction that features stunning limestone formations and underground pools. The parish has a rich cultural heritage, with many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Crop Over festival and the Barbados Jazz Festival. Nearby Oistins is a popular spot for fish fry and street food, with many restaurants and bars serving a range of local cuisine, including flying fish and cou-cou. The parish is also home to the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, which showcases the island's history and culture, with exhibits on piracy, slavery, and independence. Category:Parishes of Barbados