Barbados
The parish of Saint James (“St. James”) is an area located in the western central part of the country of Barbados. Increasingly St. James is becoming known as the playground of the rich and famous, and a haven for sun-starved tourists.
In local colloquium, St. James was known as the “Gold Coast”, but due to its ongoing popularity it is now referred to as the “Platinum Coast”, reflective of the parishes many glitzy beach-front mansions, pristine beaches, luxury hotels and consistently high land prices. Many Barbadians say within the Platinum Coast there are billionaires such as the deceased Sathya Sai Baba and others own property somewhere within a 6-mile stretch of beach on the island.
The parish also has great historic significance, as it was here that the first British settlers landed in 1625. Under the authority of King James, the British claimed Barbados upon landing in St. James’ present-day city of Holetown (formerly Jamestown, named after the King himself); this settlement turned Barbados into what would later be known as “Little England”.
Noted for its shopping and restaurants, St. James is central to Barbados’ bustling tourist industry, with historical attractions including the St. James Parish Church and the Portvale Sugar Factory, one of the few remaining operational sugar factories on the island.
Though a haven for wealthy tourists and foreign expatriates, St. James is far from exclusive. As one of the bigger parishes, it is home to over 20,000 nationals strewn across its many districts, across various social strata. The parish is home to the prestigious Queen’s College, one of the foremost schools not only in Barbados, but also the Caribbean, founded over a century ago by British plantation owner Colonel Henry Drax. At its most rural, the parish’s many villages (such as the seafront “Fitts Village”) are abuzz with activity, near-familial camaraderie, and an active social atmosphere.
| Country | Barbados |
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| Visa requirements | All visitors to Barbados must have a passport and valid return ticket to be allowed entry here. The passport must be valid for the duration of your stay here. Most countries do not require a visa to visit Barbados, so please check here to see if one is required of your country. https://www.visitbarbados.org/plan-your-trip/visa-and-entry-requirements
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| Languages spoken | English |
| Currency used | BBD & USD |
| Area (km2) | 31 km2 |
