The Order of Barbados was instituted by Queen Elizabeth II by letters patent dated 25 July 1980.

[2] Due to this, the former Order became obsolete and appointments of Knights and Dames of St. Andrew have also ceased.

However, all appointments conferred prior to 30 November 2021 pursuant to the Letters Patent continue to be acknowledged as validly conferred, and with the Knights or Dames deemed to be members of the new Order.

[This quote needs a citation] Most recipients were invested in November during the month-long celebration of Barbadian political independence.

When the country was a monarchy, the award was conferred to awardees by the office of the Governor-General of Barbados.