Business Travellers

Religion is said to be the life blood of Barbados. You will hear songs of worship everywhere, blasting from loudspeakers or from church doorways with the same ease with which teenagers play the latest pop music.

In Barbados it is often remarked upon that there is a church on every corner, a church and probably a rum shop too but don't let that deter you.

Bajans take their religion seriously and you are likely to see entire families dressed in their Sunday best trekking to church on the weekends. Everyone, from the tiniest babe in arms to the oldest grandparent or great-grandparent, is included in the precession to the local place of worship.

There are estimated to be over 140 different religious denominations and sects practising on the island, including Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Brethren, Bah'ais, Muslims, Hindus and Rastafarians.

The predominant religion is Christianity with Anglican faith being most prominent. The early settlers on the island were British Royalists and Anglicans claimed Barbados "at one and the same time for the king of England and the King of Kings".

Barbados has beautiful old Christian churches, intricately carved mosques and one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in the Caribbean. It is also home to beautiful modern churches, Rastafari communes, Orisha and Spiritual Baptist communities, Mormon churches and Bah'ai centres.

Bajans are relatively easy going and while discussions about religion may be spirited, most maintain an attitude of "to each his own". There is room enough for everyone and every faith.