To Leave a Legacy–Carrington’s original Bajan Salt Bread

Mr. Walter Carrington and Founding Director & Chairman Norman Bararow

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, something extremely special took place in rural St. John and more specifically at Verdun Patisserie.  A few weeks earlier, founding Director and Chairman Norman Barrow had indicated that there was this gentleman, Mr. Walter Carrington, a baker of excellence, renowned for the original Bajan salt bread.  Indeed, Mr. Carrington, before he suspended operations at his bakery, produced these baked goods for individuals and supermarkets across Barbados.

Mr. Carrington first entered a bakery at the tender age of 14.  He is now 86 years old, still strong, mind sharp and intact and with all the Bajan jokes one can muster up.  What brought him to Verdun?  His concern was that family members appeared not to be interested in continuing the baking tradition, and he didn’t want to take this knowledge and recipe to the graveyard. 

Mr. Carrington came to Verdun and conducted a hands-on tutorial with Ruth Ann Inniss, supervisor of the bakery, one team member and six residential clients.  Client Development is a critical component of our treatment programme.  Individuals must have meaningful work so that they are able to provide for their families. The alternative is to return to an old way of life.

After more than six hours, we had approximately 156 salt breads out of the ovens.  Norman stayed with us the entire day, sharing with clients the history of Verdun and encouraging them to “work” the programme.

After the baking hot salt breads with cheese or butter melting at the touch for each participating client.  Breakfast the morning after – bread twinned with tuna paste.  No preservatives, healthy and nutritious for each residential client.

Thanks to Mr. Carrington, we will have a six-week session with staff and clients until we perfect the recipe with the intention of going commercial—an addition to our menu of baked goods.