Caribbean Calling! (May 2025) - National Anthems, National Heroes & Caribbean Creatives!

Welcome to the very first edition of Caribbean Calling — the official newsletter from Ultimate Caribbean! We’re here to celebrate where we come from, where we’re going, and everything in between. Each month, we’ll bring you fresh designs, stories from across the diaspora, a taste of home, and a few reminders of why our culture runs deep and shines bright in 2025 and beyond.

What's new with us? 🆕

Remember when our national anthems had pride of place in our homes?

We created these posters because too many of us couldn’t recite the words we heard our parents cherish — words that shaped the islands we love. These modern, stylish prints honour that legacy, bringing the anthem back into the heart of the home.

We're adding more National Anthems on a weekly basis too, so keep checking back.

What's going on in our community? ✍🏽

We wanted to show some love and promote some Caribbean creatives, events or initiatives that we think are doing amazing things in British West Indian community. Some of our picks are below. We'd love to hear if you have any suggestions that should be featured here too!

Just drop us a DM at @UltimateCaribbean on Instagram

Heritage Focus

Each month, we spotlight a corner of the Caribbean that's rich in history and culture. This month, we take a look at National Heroes Day in Barbados which this year, took place on April 29th.

Heroes Day in Barbados is a national holiday observed annually on April 28th. It is a day dedicated to honoring the ten official National Heroes of Barbados who made significant contributions to the island’s political, social, and cultural development.

On Heroes Day, Barbadians take time to reflect on the values of bravery, sacrifice, and leadership. Ceremonies are often held at National Heroes Square in Bridgetown, and various cultural events, educational activities, and media features spotlight the lives and legacies of the heroes. The day also encourages younger generations to learn about Barbados’ rich history and the individuals who fought for justice, equality, and national pride.

Barbados has ten officially recognized National Heroes, each celebrated for their significant contributions to the island's history, development, and identity. They are:

1. The Right Excellent Bussa – An enslaved African who led the largest slave rebellion in Barbados in 1816, symbolizing the fight for freedom and resistance against oppression.

2. The Right Excellent Samuel Jackman Prescod – The first non-white person elected to the House of Assembly in 1843, and a strong advocate for the rights of free people of colour and the poor.

3. The Right Excellent Dr. Charles Duncan O’Neal – A physician and social reformer who founded the Democratic League and championed workers' rights and free education.

4. The Right Excellent Sir Grantley Adams – The first Premier of Barbados and a key figure in the movement toward independence. He also served as the first and only Prime Minister of the West Indies Federation.

5. The Right Excellent Clement Payne – A trade unionist and activist who organized workers and led the 1937 civil disturbances that sparked significant social and political reforms.

6. The Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow – The first Prime Minister of Barbados and often referred to as the "Father of Independence" for leading Barbados to independence in 1966.

7. The Right Excellent Sir Hugh Springer – An educator, politician, and advocate for regional integration. He also served as Governor-General of Barbados.

8. The Right Excellent Sir Frank Walcott – A prominent trade union leader who fought for workers' rights and improved labour conditions, both locally and internationally.

9. The Right Excellent Sarah Ann Gill – A devout Methodist who bravely continued to hold religious meetings in her home during a time of religious persecution, making her a symbol of religious freedom.

10. The Right Excellent Robyn Rihanna Fenty – International pop icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who was declared a National Hero in 2021 for her extraordinary achievements and global influence.

Caribbean Key Dates 📆

Here are the celebrations, milestones, and moments you won't want to miss in May — because every day is a chance to honor our heritage.

• 26th May - Guyana Independence Day 🇬🇾
• 30th May - Anguilla Day 🇦🇮

Thank you!

Thank you for supporting our British West Indian small business and many of the other creatives and businesses featured in this newsletter. Your support means more to us than you can imagine.

Ultimate Caribbean was started to help keep West Indian heritage and pride alive in our homes and lives. We are always adding new ways for you to rep your island at home or work. Please check out our website regularly for our latest poster prints and homewares.