The Barbados national anthem was adopted upon independence on November 30, 1966. The lyrics were written by Mr. Irving Burgie, a USC music scholar who also performed music under the name Lord Burgess, and was a songwriter for Harry Belafonte. Not a Barbadian, Mr. Burgie happened to be on holiday to the island when he was asked to compose an anthem for the country.
The selection of the music was charged to a committee, who selected the work of Mr. C. Van Roland Edwards, whow as awarded $500 for his efforts. Mr. Edwards had no formal music training and was also partly blind. Because of his partial blindness he was assisted in his work by his two daughters Nannette and Eullia.
Special thanks to: Jo Hyo-roe for the sheet music.