After achieving independence from Britain in 1966 Barbados became a parliamentary democracy using the British Westminster system as a model. The reigning British monarch remains as its head of state, represented by a local Governor General, and the country is a member of the British-led Commonwealth of Nations. The Democratic Labour Party and the Barbados Labour Party are the dominant players in the two-party political system.
Trinidad & Tobago also has a Westminster-based two-party system, led by the People’s National Movement and the United National Congress, but it is a republic with a president (elected by both houses of parliament) as head of state, advised by a prime minister. As in the British system, the prime minister is the leader of the party holding most parliamentary seats after a general election.
For some years Barbados was involved in dispute with Trinidad & Tobago about maritime boundaries, but this was resolved in 2006. The two countries have recently agreed to the construction of an undersea pipeline to deliver natural gas from Trinidad and Tobago to Barbados.
Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago are two small neighboring nations with a shared history and climate and many points in common in culture and cuisine. Though they differ in their political systems they are both members of Caribbean trading and economic zones, and their futures is likely to be one of mutual co-operation and collaboration.
The Adventure Life staff, for me it's Franny, always listens to what I say about what kind of travel my wife and I want and expect. It never goes wrong. The motto at AL seems to be I will get back to you right away if not sooner. Requested changes and special requests are encouraged and acted on ASAP.
Dick Philpot
1 week ago
The trip planners at Adventure Life were very helpful and always replied to my inquiries right away. The excursions, accomodations, and local guides were excellent
Avi Argaman
1 week ago
Be sure to sign up for all the tours, otherwise you will be sitting on the boat since not all stops are moored at a dock. Some are anchored.
Gail Puryear
1 week ago
There were two best aspects to our trip:
1. The Adventure Life folks and the folks in Athens and Crete who supported our itinerary, guided us, and ran the cooking program were all superb.
2. Everything they all planned for us went without a hitch. When we needed a bit of help, they came through with really good answers.
We became aware of AL from a friend who had an excellent experience in a different location. So did we. We can recommend AL without reservation.
Tom Campbell
1 week ago
My agent Jeff did not push the sale while providing thorough information and replying quickly to my many questions.
