Errol Barrow

Errol Walton Barrow was a very important leader from Barbados. He was born on January 21, 1920, in a place called Saint Lucy. His family was very active in helping their community. His father, Reverend Reginald Grant Barrow, was a priest who stood up for poor workers. His uncle, Dr. Charles Duncan O'Neal, was also a famous doctor and activist. These family members helped Errol learn to care about fairness and politics.

During World War II, Errol took a very brave path. In December 1940, he joined the Royal Air Force with eleven other men from Barbados. He trained in Canada to become an air navigator. A navigator is the person who tells the pilot where to fly. Errol was very good at this hard job. He flew 48 missions in a light bomber called a Douglas Boston. He helped his crew find their way during big battles in Europe.

After the war ended, Errol went to study in London. He studied at the London School of Economics and learned law. While he was a student, he met many other young people. Some of these people, like Pierre Trudeau, grew up to be leaders in their own countries. Errol returned to Barbados in 1950 and joined the Barbados Parliament. He soon started his own political group called the Democratic Labour Party.

Errol worked hard to change how Barbados was governed. In 1961, his party won a big election. He helped lead Barbados to become an independent country in 1966. This meant Barbados was no longer ruled by Great Britain. Errol became the very first Prime Minister of the new nation. People often call him the "Father of Independence" because of this great achievement.

As Prime Minister, Errol made many big changes for his people. He helped start free secondary school for children. He also created National Health Insurance and Social Security to help families. Errol wanted his neighbors in the Caribbean to work together, too. He helped start groups like CARICOM to help different islands join forces. He spent his life building a strong and proud home for all Barbadians.