Home - R.O.A.D. - Reclaiming our Atlantic Destiny

“The Barbados R.O.A.D. Programme is one of the most significant projects ever undertaken since the country declared independence.”

– Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, S.C., M.P.

This initiative is a
powerful
expression of
resilience, survival, and the unyielding spirit of the Barbadian people

Barbados is embarking on a bold journey to honour its past and shape its future through the R.O.A.D. (Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny) Programme.

The R.O.A.D. Programme will establish:

The Digitisation of Barbados’ historical archives and the further development of Barbados’ Heritage Economy;

The Barbados Heritage District at Newton Plantation, comprising:

Ancestral Memorial at the Enslaved Burial Ground

National Performing Arts Centre

National Museum interrogating the impacts of Trans-Atlantic Slavery and Forced Migration on the Global South

Built for purpose new home of the Archives & Global Genealogical Research Institute

Lay-academic Spirituality Centre

We provide the world with beauty, music, ideas,

and happiness,

not because of our history,

but in spite of it.

We exist as a living testament that humanity’s future can be much brighter than its past.

– Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, S.C., M.P.

Our Goal

In 2021, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced the creation of the R.O.A.D. (Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny) Programme.

R.O.A.D. seeks to define and own the global narrative of Barbados’ contributions to humanity and safeguard the tens of millions of pages of records related to the development of Trans-Atlantic slave societies.

At its heart, the R.O.A.D programme will preserve centuries of untold stories—those of the enslaved, the liberated, and their descendants—by creating a permanent legacy through historical archives, a memorial, and cultural facilities. As Barbados reclaims its past, it steps confidently into its future as a leader in both cultural preservation and progressive values.

Our Vision

Barbados is authentically

enshrining our history

and preserving the past as we reimagine our world and continue to contribute to global humanity. It is a moral imperative but equally an economic necessity.

R.O.A.D. represents a pioneering commitment to transforming public collective memory in the 21st century, destined to foster job creation, economic opportunity, and the creation of a heritage economy with lasting global repercussions.

At the core of R.O.A.D. is an obligation to safeguard the nation’s incomparable archives, which are the largest body of records documenting the development of Trans-Atlantic slave societies, outside of Great Britain. The Archives Department is the custodian of tens of millions of pages of these records.

The
Digitisation
Project

Our Future

Barbados
Heritage
District

The Heritage District's components will include:

Barbados is committed to preserving and revealing countless stories of the lives of those subjected to the centuries-long trade in enslaved people.

As the full potential of the digitisation project revealed itself, it became apparent that an appropriate home for the National Archives would need to be both new and purpose-built. With that in mind the Barbados Heritage District was conceptualised and designed in partnership with world renowned architect, Sir David Adjaye.

The Barbados Heritage District will serve as a place for reflection and remembrance and the home of the nation's archives, together with associated facilities to champion cultural and spiritual values important to Barbadians today.

The Heritage District's components will include:

Archival Preservation and
Digitisation

Protecting and digitising over 400 years of historical records, ensuring the stories of survival and resilience are accessible to the world.

Ancestral Memorial to the
Enslaved

Attesting  to the resilience of hundreds of enslaved Africans interred in the neighbouring Enslaved Burial Ground at Newton Plantation, providing the emotional, intellectual and spiritual framework for the scholarly research and public programs that will be generated at the Barbados Heritage District.

National Performing Arts
Centre

A hub for cultural expression and global performances that reflect the strength and creativity of the Barbadian people

Global Genealogical Research
Institute

A world-class centre for tracing ancestral roots and exploring global genealogical connections.

National Archives and Museum

Dedicated space to safeguard the nation’s archives and a major institution to recount the historical and contemporary impact of slavery and forced-migration of Barbados and the world.

Lay-academic Spirituality Centre

A cultural hub promoting religious freedom, inclusivity, and the celebration of diverse faith traditions in the region.

AMPLIFYING

THE CULTURE,

HERITAGE

AND PRIDE OF

OUR PEOPLE

a message from the

programme manager

The R.O.A.D. Programme was born from a simple yet profound belief: that the stories of our past—no matter how painful—hold the power to guide, heal, and transform. At its core, R.O.A.D. is about reclamation; not only of our history, but of our voice, agency, and identity.

We stand at a pivotal moment in our history—uncovering, confronting, and reckoning with a legacy shaped by colonialism and enslavement. Through R.O.A.D., we are choosing to confront that legacy with clarity and conviction—preserving our truth, building spaces for reflection and remembrance, and investing in a heritage economy that centres our people and our future.

This site offers a window into that work. From the digitisation of millions of historical records to the development of the Barbados Heritage District, it chronicles our collective journey to honour those who were, empower those who are now, and inspire those yet to come.

As we continue on this journey, we take this opportunity to thank all our partners, collaborators, and contributors who stand with us, upholding the enduring truth that our future can always be greater than our past.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Chereda Grannum

Programme Manager

Join Us

With the power to transform global dialogues around heritage, the R.O.A.D. Programme promises to deepen understanding, inspire reflection, and create new spaces that celebrate creativity and open doors to new opportunities.

Join us on this transformative journey to reclaim Barbados’ past and shape a future where history serves as a foundation for progress.

Connect
With Us

Become part of an extraordinary journey to preserve Barbados’ legacy and shape its future.

Express your interest to discover how you can play a vital role in bringing this vision to life – empowering future generations and ensuring the stories of the past are never forgotten.

Programme
Partners

The R.O.A.D Programme is initiated in the Prime Minister's Office, and is executed on behalf of the Government of Barbados by Barbados Tourism Investment Inc.