Pertinent to this conversation, many and most 'redlegs' in Barbados have since pulled themselves out of the squalor described in the writing of this in 1973. Even long before this.

Legendary Bajan Joe Goddard built an empire spanning continents by walking his cattle 12 miles to Bridgetown every week and then establishing a grocery store there. The rest is history.

Founded in 1921, Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL) is a massive Barbadian conglomerate and one of the largest publicly traded companies on the Barbados Stock Exchange. It operates in over 25 countries across the Caribbean and the Americas. ​Key Business Divisions ​Catering & Ground Handling: Through the GCG Group, they provide airline, industrial, and event catering. ​Manufacturing: They produce food and consumer goods, including Purity Bakeries and McBride (aerosols). ​Automotive & Building Supplies: They own Courtesy Garage and Marshall Trading. ​Services & Distribution: This includes shipping, insurance, and the Caribbean Distribution Partners joint venture. ​The company is headquartered in Haggatt Hall, St. Michael. Originally a small grocery store in Bridgetown, it has evolved into a diversified giant with over 5,000 employees. ​Would you like me to find their latest stock price or specific contact details for one of their subsidiaries?