Bio: Errol Walton Barrow was born in the parish of St. Lucy and led the Nation of Barbados over a 15-year period, first as Premier and then as Prime Minister ending in 1976. A founding-member of the Democratic Labour Party, Barrow swept to power as Premier in 1961 and held that position until 1966. He then took the island into Independence from Britain after his party won elections and he thus became Barbados' first Prime Minister.
In December, 1939, Errol won a scholarship in Classics to Codrington College but did not pursue those studies. Instead, he joined the Royal Air Force and served in World War II.
After his stint in the RAF, Barrow studied law and was called to the Bar, Inns of Court in 1949. He returned home in 1950 as a practicing barrister-at-law and became a member of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) in 1951.
That year he won a seat in St. George for the BLP, lost it in the 1956 , but returned to Parliament in 1958.
Among the many awards Barrow received were an honorary Doctorate of Civil Law from McGill University of Canada in 1966 and the Lions International "Head of State Award" for "outstanding service to the country" in 1967.
Among Barrow’s accomplishments were: victory against segregation in education, the introduction of a National Insurance and Social Security scheme, improved health services, accelerated industrial development and considerable expansion of the tourist industry.
He led Barbados into Independence in November, 1966.
After year in second term he died on June 1, 1987. Barbadians observe the birthday of Errol Walton Barrow on January 21 as a national holiday, and his likeness is widely circulated on the island's $50 note, popularly known as "an Errol".
Afiwi.com's complete profile on Errol Barrow
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