rainsoaked night 55 years ago, the inhabitants of what had been the world s first slave society shared the mantle of colonialism to become an independent nation. vessel independent nation. vessel independent barbados weighed anchor and cast off from our colonial moorings. unable to see the future, we embarked on the journey of nationhood with no clear knowledge of our strength and cape capabilities or our potential as a people. some were understandably fearful of how our inexperienced crews and passengers would navigate storm tossed international waters. a sense of uncertainty surrounded the viability of our social experience and our economic