Car Rental Saint James, Barbados
Saint James is one of the eleven parishes of Barbados, and is located in the central western area of the island. The area is known for great beaches with good swimming and water sports, a lively south coast entertainment and nightlife, and friendly, 'old colonial' ambience.
Some of the more popular attractions include the Portvale Sugar Factory/Museum. The Sugar Museum is an addition to the Portvale Sugar Factory and is set in an old 'boiling house' of past sugar grinding times. The museum traces the story of sugar through large photographs and machinery. Also worth a visit is the St James Parish Church. This is the site of the island's first church. While most of the existing church dates from the 1800s, the first stone building, built around the 1660s, replaced the original wooden structure. After it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1780, the present building was constructed. This church has a number of interesting features, including the original church bell, which pre-dates the US Liberty Bell by some 50 years.
Island Jargon
Barbadians have a lively, colourful way of expressing themselves. It's mixture of local idiom with a bit of British and African influence. The dialect may seem like another language when you first arrive, but if you ask locals to speak slowly you will catch on without much problem. Here are a couple of the most commonly used words and phrases.
- Bajan: what people lucky enough to be from Barbados like to call themselves; the adjective used to describe Mount Gay Rum
- Bruggadung: the sound of a fall
- Cafuffled: confused, bewildered. What you are if you choose anything other than the very best; Mount Gay Rum!
- Doin' Dixie: if you're the life of the party you'll definitely be "doin' dixie!
- Gap: the Bajan way of saying "street" eg I gine up the gap li'l bit (I'm going up the street for a while)
- Gully-boar: person with no class
- Kadooment: fun and good times, the name of Barbados' biggest carnival, always held the first Monday in August
- Mini moke: a small, open car that's perfect for getting from beach to beach in Barbados
- Pompasettin': showing off
- Rumbustuous: the word coined in Barbados which probably described the way settlers felt afer a few shots of rum - in very good spirits and full of life
- Skettel: a girl who's not so nice
- Stepney: a spare tire
- Wukkin' up: a high energy, gyrating dance that could probably get you arrested most places outside the Caribbean
Driving Permits in Barbados
To rent a car in Barbados, you will have to purchase a Barbados Driving License. You can purchase a Barbados drivers license for $10.00 BDS upon presenting a valid national or international license. This is valid for one year from purchase. This can be obtained from car hire companies, the Ministry of Transport (0830-1430 Monday to Friday), the airport (0800-2200 every day) or police stations in Hastings, Worthing and Holetown.
Road Conditions and Speed Limits in Barbados
Remember to drive on the left in Barbados! Also the roads in Barbados are rather narrow, which can take some getting used to. The main roads are fairly maintained, but make sure to use caution when on the back roads of the island. There is a speed limit of 60 km/h (37 m/h per hour). Road signs are limited, so make sure to exercise caution on the road.
Driving Tips in Barbados
- Although there are no government regulated seat belt laws, it is a general rule of thumb to always wear seat belts.
- Use a child car seat appropriately.
- Use caution and drive defensively.
- Be wary of strangers trying to get you out of your car. The North and East are notorious for locals trying to rob tourists in their cars.
Visitor Center
Barbados Tourism Authority
242 Harbour Road
Bridgetown, Barbados
Tel: 427 2623/4
Emergency Numbers
Here are some telephone numbers you may find useful during your trip in Barbados.
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 115
- Fire: 113
- All services: 119
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