Barrow, Errol Walton (1920–1987)

Barbadian left-of-centre politician, prime minister 1961–76 and 1986–87. He co-founded the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) in 1955, becoming its chair in 1958, and leading the DLP to victory following independence in 1961. Defeated in 1976 by the BLP, led by Tom Adams, he returned to power with a decisive majority in 1986. A critic of the US intervention in Grenada in 1983, Barrow oversaw a review of Barbadian participation in the US-backed regional security system.

After his death he was succeeded as DLP leader and prime minister by Erskine Lloyd Sandiford. Barrow's sister, Nita Barrow (1916– ), served as governor general of Barbados 1990–96.

Barrow was born in Barbados. After flying in the RAF between 1940 and 1947, he studied at London University and Lincoln's Inn. Returning to Barbados, he became active in the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), led by Grantley Adams, and was elected to the House of Assembly in 1951.