On April 28th, Barbadians celebrate National Heroes Day, a public holiday that replaced the old colonial “Discovery Day” with a focus on the island’s own history. Ten National Heroes were first named in 1998, with Robyn Rihanna Fenty added as the eleventh in 2021. The day honors citizens who shaped the nation, with ceremonies often held at Heroes Square in Bridgetown, a space that was formerly Trafalgar Square.
Ten National Heroes were first named in 1998, with Robyn Rihanna Fenty added as the eleventh in 2021.
This guide covers the stories behind each of the eleven National Heroes of Barbados, where you can find their monuments and memorials, and how to engage with this history during a visit. Understanding these figures offers a direct route into the island’s journey from colonial rule to independence and republic status.
You can see the monuments to these heroes scattered across the island, but the real depth comes from pairing a visit to Heroes Square with a stop at the Barbados Museum. The statues alone don’t tell the full story of the political struggles and social movements that shaped modern Barbados.
Orientation to Barbados’ National Heroes and Their Legacy
The eleven heroes span from the 1816 slave revolt to the 21st century, covering resistance, labor rights, politics, sports, and culture.
The concept of National Heroes was formalized with the Order of National Heroes Act in 1998. The honorific title “The Right Excellent” is given to each, drawing a parallel to the British parliamentary title “The Right Honourable.” In Bajan Creole, these figures are affectionately referred to as “we big-ups” or “island legends.” The renaming of Trafalgar Square to National Heroes Square in 1999 marked a significant moment in acknowledging these individuals. While the list is impressive, it’s worth noting that the selection process has been a political one, and some Barbadians debate whether certain figures were overlooked.
National Heroes of Barbados, as of 2021, when Robyn Rihanna Fenty became the first to be honored after Barbados became a republic.
Where to Find the Heroes: Monuments, Museums, and Memorials
Each hero has a physical marker somewhere on the island, from bronze statues to named institutions.
Heroes Square and the Bridgetown Core
Heroes Square in Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the central location for several monuments. The square itself features exhibits and plaques that keep the legacies alive. The historic downtown is full of colonial landmarks, and a walking tour through the cobblestone streets connects the square to other sites like the Parliament building and the Barbados Museum. The museum offers deeper context on the social conditions that produced these leaders.
Bussa and the Emancipation Statue
The Right Excellent Bussa led the largest slave revolt in Barbadian history in 1816. He was killed during the uprising, but his struggle is remembered through the Emancipation Statue, unveiled in 1985 on the Highway 1 roundabout. Locals popularly nickname it “Bussa’s Statue,” commemorating the breaking of the chains of slavery. The statue is a major landmark, but the roundabout location means you can’t stop for long — it’s best viewed from the sidewalk or a slow drive-by.
Sir Garfield Sobers and the Cricket Connection
Sir Garfield St. Aubrun Sobers, often called the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, has a bronze statue at the “Sir Garfield Sobers Roundabout” on Highway 1 (Oistins Road). Locals and visitors alike pay tribute to his achievements there. The roundabout is a busy junction, so plan to park nearby and walk over for a photo.
The Gill Memorial Methodist Church on Fairfield Road in Black Rock, St. Michael, is named for Sarah Ann Gill, the “Heroine of Methodism.” She kept the faith alive by opening her home as a church after white planters drove out Methodist missionaries in the 1820s. The church is an active place of worship, not a museum, so check service times if you want to see the interior.
Practical Planning for a History-Focused Visit
Timing your visit around National Heroes Day or planning a self-guided tour requires a bit of logistics.
| Approach | Best for | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| National Heroes Day (April 28) | Seeing official ceremonies, flag-raisings, and wreath-laying at monuments | Government offices and businesses close; some sites may have restricted access |
| Self-guided walking tour of Bridgetown | Flexibility and depth at your own pace | Requires advance research; no single map covers all hero sites |
| Guided tour with a local historian | Context and stories not found on plaques | Limited availability; book well in advance |
Getting Around the Sites
The monuments are spread across the island. Heroes Square is walkable from the cruise port and central Bridgetown. The Emancipation Statue (Bussa) is on Highway 1, a short taxi ride from town. The Sir Garfield Sobers statue is on the south coast near Oistins, about a 20-minute drive from Bridgetown. The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology is in Oistins, Christ Church, making it a logical stop on a south coast itinerary.
Best Time to Visit
National Heroes Day on April 28 offers the most concentrated experience, with speeches and wreath-laying at monuments. Outside of that date, the sites are quieter but still accessible. The dry season (December to May) is the most comfortable for walking tours, though Bridgetown’s cobblestone streets can be hot by midday even in January. Start your walk by 9 a.m. to avoid the peak heat.
The Emancipation Statue roundabout on Highway 1 has no pedestrian crossing. You’ll need to approach from the sidewalk on the south side of the road. Traffic moves fast, so don’t attempt to cross the roundabout on foot.
On the Ground: What to Know Before You Go
Understanding the local context and practical details makes the history more meaningful.
Local Etiquette and Language
When discussing the heroes with Barbadians, you’ll hear them referred to with respect. The honorific “The Right Excellent” is used in formal contexts, but in casual conversation, people might simply say “Bussa” or “Sir Garfield.” In Bajan Creole, you might hear the phrase “we big-ups” to describe the heroes. If you’re unsure how to refer to a hero, “Mr.” or “Sir” followed by their surname is always appropriate. Avoid referring to the Emancipation Statue as “the Bussa statue” in a dismissive tone — it’s a symbol of resistance and freedom.
Packing for a History Walk
Bridgetown’s cobblestone streets and the heat mean you’ll want comfortable, supportive footwear. A lightweight walking shoes for travel category is worth considering. Sun protection is essential — a reef-safe mineral sunscreen is a good choice for both your skin and the marine environment. A reusable water bottle will keep you hydrated between sites.
- Start your self-guided tour at Heroes Square, then walk to the Barbados Museum for deeper context on the social movements behind the heroes.
- National Heroes Day (April 28) offers official ceremonies, but the sites are accessible year-round and quieter outside the holiday.
- The Emancipation Statue roundabout has no pedestrian crossing — approach from the sidewalk on the south side of Highway 1.
Visiting Barbados: Questions About the National Heroes
How many National Heroes does Barbados have?
As of 2025, there are eleven National Heroes. Ten were named in 1998 under the Order of National Heroes Act, and Robyn Rihanna Fenty was added in 2021, becoming the first to be honored after Barbados became a republic.
The list includes figures from the 1816 slave revolt to the 21st century, covering resistance, labor rights, politics, sports, and culture. The selection process has been political, and some Barbadians debate whether certain figures were overlooked.
Where can I see the monuments to the National Heroes?
Heroes Square in Bridgetown is the central location, with monuments and plaques. The Emancipation Statue (Bussa) is on the Highway 1 roundabout, and Sir Garfield Sobers has a statue on the Oistins Road roundabout. The Gill Memorial Methodist Church in Black Rock honors Sarah Ann Gill.
For a more complete picture, visit the Barbados Museum, which provides context on the social and political conditions that produced these leaders. The museum is a short walk from Heroes Square.
Is National Heroes Day a public holiday in Barbados?
Yes, April 28th is a public holiday. Government offices and businesses close, and there may be flag-raisings, speeches, and wreath-laying at monuments. People might also attend church services or community events that reflect on Barbados’s history.
For visitors, it’s a chance to connect with local culture, but plan ahead — some sites may have restricted access, and public transport runs on a holiday schedule.
Why was Trafalgar Square renamed Heroes Square?
The renaming in 1999 was part of a broader move to replace colonial symbols with Barbadian ones. The square, formerly Trafalgar Square, had a statue of Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson. The change marked a shift toward acknowledging the island’s own history and heroes.
The square now features exhibits and monuments that honor the hardships of the Barbadian people. It’s a deliberate reclamation of public space, similar to the removal of the Nelson statue.
What is the controversy around the National Heroes list?
Some Barbadians argue that the list is incomplete or that the selection process was too political. Figures like Sir Grantley Herbert Adams and Errol Barrow are widely celebrated, but others, particularly from the labor movement, have been debated.
The addition of Robyn Rihanna Fenty in 2021 also sparked discussion about what constitutes a national hero — artistic achievement versus political or social struggle. The list remains a living document, not a closed one.
Closing
The statues and plaques are fixed in place, but the stories they tell are still being written — each visit to Heroes Square or a roadside monument is a chance to see how a small island nation chose to define its own greatness, one name at a time. For a deeper dive into the island’s cultural landscape, consider exploring the hidden cultural gems of rural Barbados.
Sources and further reading
Barbados National Heroes: Celebrating the Island’s Pride. Ins and Outs Barbados.
PM’s National Heroes Day message. Barbados Today, 2023.
Barbados National Heroes: An Overview. Study Guides.
Explore Places to Stay in Barbados
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.