Barbados Labour Party

Founded: 1938
Leader: Owen Arthur

March 31, 1938 will stand as a monumental day in the history of Barbados, for on that day the founding fathers of the then Barbados Progressive League, met at the home of Mr. James Martineau to form a political party. But it wasn't until October of that year that the newly named Barbados Labour Party was officially launched with Grantley Herbert Adams at the helm. The party emerged form the disturbances of 1937, with the aim of bringing about political expression for all Barbadians. Sir Grantley and party members fought for better economic and social conditions for the working class. They were also responsible for enacting vital pieces of legislation such as the Workmen's Compensation Act, the Labour Department Act and in 1950 the Representation of the People Act, which gave all adult Barbadians the right to vote. Today, the party is lead by Prime Minister Owen S. Arthur.