Barbados Honours Emancipation Day on 1 August

Barbados
will celebrate Emancipation Day on 1 August.

This is the
day the island recognises the Slavery Abolition Act which was brought into
effect on 1 August 1834 to grant emancipation for enslaved people across the
British Empire.

The Slavery
Abolition Act was followed by a four year ‘apprenticeship period’, which meant enslaved
people continued to work for free for their previous owners in exchange for
housing. This practice continued until 1 August 1838, when it was finally
agreed that all enslaved people should be completely free.

Emancipation Day in Barbados is usually observed with an early morning march to the Bussa statue in Haggatt Hall, St Michael.

Bussa,
also known as Busso or Bussoe, was
born in Africa. He was brought to Barbados and worked on Bayleys Plantation in
St Philip.

Bussa was the central figure in the largest slave rebellion on the island in 1816 when he led an uprising involving thousands of enslaved people which lasted for two days. He was killed during the rebellion, but the event left an indelible mark on the island’s history. (https://andeglobal.org)

The Emancipation Statue, affectionately known as Bussa, was created by Barbadian-based sculptor Karl Broodhagen and installed in 1985. In 1998, Bussa was chosen as one of Barbados’ 10 National Heroes.

Emancipation
Day is a time of reflection, when the country remembers its past, and gives
thanks for the people who sacrificed so much for our freedom.

It is a day filled with historic resonance which deserves recognition and respect.

Sources: Totally Barbados, Barbados Today, and What’s on in Barbados.