Haile Selassie I in Barbados: The Lion of Judah on the Gem of the Caribbean

“We are all children of Africa, wherever the winds of history have carried us.”

Date of Visit: April 21, 1966

Location: Bridgetown, the capital city
Welcomed by: Prime Minister Errol Barrow
Purpose: Diplomatic goodwill, Caribbean-African unity, and cultural affirmation

Context of the Visit

Haile Selassie’s 1966 tour of the Caribbean—Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, and Haiti—was part of a broader effort to reconnect Africa with its diaspora. His arrival in Barbados was more than just a diplomatic gesture; it was a symbol of ancestral return for many in the Caribbean.

Barbados had just gained independence from Britain (in 1966) and was beginning to define its identity.
The Emperor’s visit inspired national pride and affirmed Barbados’ African heritage.

Highlights of the Visit

1. Ceremonial Welcome in Bridgetown

Greeted with military honors and national anthems.
Escorted through crowd-lined streets, waving to cheering citizens.

2. Meeting with Prime Minister Errol Barrow

Discussed education, economic development, and post-colonial sovereignty.
Strengthened diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and the newly independent Caribbean nations.

3. Public Appearances & Addresses

The Emperor spoke of solidarity with the African diaspora, urging cultural unity and respect for heritage.
He emphasized self-reliance and cooperation, themes common in both Ethiopian and Barbadian post-colonial narratives.

Cultural & Spiritual Significance

For many Barbadians of African descent, this was a sacred moment—to see an African emperor, a descendant of King Solomon, walking among them with dignity and grace.
Rastafari elders and Pan-African activists in Barbados saw his presence as divinely ordained.

“Haile Selassie’s visit to Barbados made the invisible connection between Africa and the Caribbean real and visible.”
— Local Pan-African Scholar

Legacy of the Visit

Inspired Afro-consciousness movements in Barbados.
Solidified Rastafari presence and identity in the island.
Helped establish Barbados as part of a global African conversation on unity and development.

While not as widely publicized as his visit to Jamaica, some archival images exist in local collections and regional newspapers. You may find them through:

The Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS)
The Barbados National Archives
Caribbean historical books and documentaries on Selassie’s Caribbean tour