About Barbados: History: Emblems
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The National Anthem of Barbados

The “National Anthem� is the words and music of which a Government recognises as the National Anthem.

NOTE:

• Anytime the National Anthem is played all civilians present should stand at attention and the men should remove all headgear displaying bared heads. Uniformed personnel should respond accordingly to instructions.
• On most occasions only one verse and the chorus is played. When the shortened version of the National Anthem is played, it must consist of the first twelve bars of the verse and the last four bars of the chorus.
• The National Anthem should not be mimicked in verse or in song neither should it be played in any tempo other than that officially recognises (eighty-eight crochets to the minute).
• The tune should not be used for dance or for advertisements
• If more than one anthem is being played the Barbados Anthem should be played last.

When should the National Anthem be played in Barbados?

• At the beginning of all public performances.
• For the Monarch (members of the Royal family)
• For a foreign Monarch, Head of State or member of a reigning foreign Imperial or Royal family.
• For a salute at official ceremonial occasions during the arrival and departure of:
• For the Governor General.
• For Governor Generals of other independent Commonwealth Countries.
• For Governors of associated States
• For High Commissioners of Offices administering a Government of a dependent Territory within the Commonwealth Countries

The Anthem can be played at the end of public functions and at toasts during official functions.

The Music

C. Van Roland Edwards
1912 - 1985
Composer of the
National Anthem

The music of the National Anthem of Barbados was composed by Mr. C. Van Roland Edwards who was partly blind at the time. Mr. Edwards who attended St. Peter's Church Boy's School was born in 1912 and had been writing music with no formal training. He was also a member of the British song society since 1933. Edwards wrote the Anthem for Barbados’ Independence in 1966 and was awarded $500 by the Government. He later died on April 22nd 1985. 

In 1967, Inspector Prince Cave of the Royal Barbados Police Band a graduate of the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, re-arranged the music of the National Anthem. He had given it more harmony while keeping the original tune.

Other Compositions by Van Roland Edwards:

• The St. Andrew Murder
• The Goodman Song
• The Federation Song
• Welcome to her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II

(This was sung for the Queen at the opening of the St Elizabeth School in St Joseph while visiting Barbados in February of 1966.)

The Lyrics

Irvin Burgie
Lyricist of the
National Anthem

The lyrics of the National Anthem of Barbados were written by Mr. Irvin Burgie who was born in 1926 in America. He is the product of a Barbadian mother and an American father. Burgie attended the University of Southern California where he studied music. Mr. Burgie whose stage name was Lord Burgess performed in many cities of the U.S.A and has written for a number of internationally famous artistes.

Other Songs written by Irvin Burgie:

• Ballad for Bimshire
• Island in the Sun
• The West Indian Song Book

He also wrote songs for famous International performers

Mr Burgie is a Life Member of the NAACP and often visits Barbados where he has instituted the Irvin Burgie Literary Award for Barbadian school children.