Barbados Trivia Quiz

Answer: Trident

The two outer bands are blue, representing the sea and sky, with a central band of gold to symbolise the sand of the beaches of Barbados. The trident has been broken off, to represent the breaking of the colonial bonds when the island achieved independence.

The flag in use between 1885 and 1958 had shown a full sized trident. The three points represent the principles of democracy - government of, for and by the people of Barbados.

Answer: Spain

The Portuguese were the first to sight the island, but decided not to risk fighting the Caribs who lived there. The Spanish did land and may have taken the local inhabitants to use as slaves, leaving the island uninhabited. The English took possession in 1624, with the first settlers arriving about three years later. Barbados then remained a British colony until gaining its independence in 1966.

Answer: Okra

All the options listed can be found in the Caribbean, but it is okra which is the other main ingredient. Cou-cou can also be found with the spelling of coo-coo and is called fungi in other parts of the Caribbean. The cornmeal and okra pods are mixed with water and stirred with a special utensil before butter is added at the end of the cooking period.

It is the traditional accompaniment to steamed flying fish, and can also accompany other foods.

Answer: Cricket

The list of famous cricketers from Barbados also includes Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes and the man who many consider to be the best all rounder ever in Sir Garfield Sobers. Also included in the list are all three of the 'three Ws', who played in the 1950s and all of whom were knighted - Clyde Walcott, Everton Weekes and Frank Worrall.

Answer: True

Barbados is one of the islands of the Lesser Antilles, and is the easternmost island of the Caribbean region. The island is situated around sixty miles or one hundred kilometres east of the Caribbean Sea and the Windward Islands.

Answer: Christianity

Over 95% of Barbadians declared themselves to be Christians in the official census of 2000. Of these, Anglicans were the biggest group and around two thirds were active. Seventh-day Adventists, Roman Catholics and Methodists were other Christian denominations represented. Followers of Islam were a small minority, and there were even fewer Buddhists.

Other religions declared were Hindu and Rastafarianism.

Answer: Need

The anthem was adopted in 1966 when Barbados became independent. The words were written by Irving Burgie, later Lord Burgess. Although born in New York, his mother was Barbadian. Burgie also wrote the lyrics for 'Jamaica Farewell' and one version of 'Banana Boat Song', made famous by Harry Belafonte.

The lyrics of the first verse are 'In plenty and in time of need, when this fair land was young; our brave forefathers sowed the seed, from which our pride was sprung'.

Answer: Rihanna

Rihanna was born in 1988, and has established a very successful career. Among her singles are 'Unfaithful' from 2006 and 'We Found Love', a hit in 2011. Her biggest hit of the early twenty-first century came in 2007 with 'Umbrella', which also featured Jay-Z. Adele was born in England and Shakira is Colombian. Pink was born in America.

Other well known musicians from Barbados are Rayvon, who sang on many of Shaggy's hits, and Grandmaster Flash, the DJ.

Answer: Parishes

Apart from the Parish of Christ Church, all the Parishes are named for saints, including Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy and Saint John. Only two of the Parishes do not have a coastline, and the capital, Bridgetown, is found in the Parish of Saint Michael in the south west of the island.

Answer: 30 November

All the dates listed relate to the patron saints of Britain. Saint David is the Welsh patron saint, and is celebrated on 1 March and Saint Patrick of Ireland is remembered on 17 March. England's Saint George's day falls on 23 April, and Scotland celebrates Saint Andrew on 30 November.

The coat of arms of Barbados references the date as it has a diagonal cross, as on the flag of Saint Andrew, formed by sugar cane at the top. The date is a national holiday in Barbados, and celebrations are held throughout the whole month, including fairs, sporting events and religious services.