Yesterday was the start of the month of Independence and from today and continuing until the end of November, we will be bringing readers a piece of Barbados.
We will highlight some of this country’s history, artefacts, as well as the food, sights and scenes which all say – Barbados.
When it comes to food, there is nothing that says Barbados more than the flying fish – a delicacy that is synonymous with this country.
The irony is that while Barbados is known as the Land of the Flying Fish, the fish is found in waters just off Tobago. In fact, this fish is so much in demand that oft-times local fishermen were “caught” in Trinidad waters fishing.
This delicacy has from time to time created some strain in relations between this country and its neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago.
As a result, many discussions have taken place between government officials of both countries to try to resolve the fishing disputes that have occurred.
The flying fish is not only devoured by locals in many different dishes, but also by tourists. Also, during the Oistins Fish Festival, there are Fish Boning competitions in which competitors vie to see who will bone the most flying fish in the shortest possible time. The skeletal structure of the fish allows an expert filleter to strip one flying fish to a boneless steak in less than 90 seconds.
What also makes this fish unique is that it glides – not flies as its name suggests.
When moving it “accelerates to around 40 miles an hour and then leaps from the water, spreading its large lateral fins, on which it glides for up to 100 feet”.
December to May is fishing season in Barbados and at that time, more than 450 fishing boats, including about 30 iceboats, make the largest catches.
A plentiful supply of flying fish during the season, its relatively cheap price, the ease with which it can be prepared and its delicate taste, make the flying fish the single most important fish in Barbados. (CM)
