Slave revolt debates not to be ignored

Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Freundel Stuart has encouraged locals not to shy away from debates about who led the largest slave revolt in Barbadian history.

 

Rather the Head of Government has suggested that Barbadians should engage in healthy discussions about this aspect of our history.

 

“I urge you not to ignore the debates that continue to rage over whether Bussa in fact led the rebellion or whether it was led by Joseph Pitt Washington Franklin, or whether they both led it together, because these debates are important, not from a historical point of view only but because they have a contemporary echo. There are not debates really about the past, there are debates about the present because depending on how those debates are settled other issues relating to how power should be distributed and who should have the right to distribute it are resolved in the present. Some 100 years from now when we are all gathered unto our father, a similar debate is going to take place in the Republic of South Africa as to whether it was Nelson Mandela who ended apartheid or whether it was F.W de Klerk because these debates have always a contemporary echo.”

 

His remarks came as he addressed the large gathering at last Saturday’s production, ‘From Bussa to Barrow and Beyond’. The scenes of this historical piece, directed by Sonia Williams, unfolded at 

the historic Golden Grove Plantation in St. Philip.

 

This production was performed by a cast which included: Jennifer Sealy who played Nanny Grigg, Jack Lewis who played the role of Bussa and Philip Eno who played the character Joseph Pitt Washington Franklin. Through the piece,  patrons entered into a time travelling machine and visited eras such as 1816, 1876, 1838 and finally 1966 where they got a glimpse of some of the highs and lows experienced by Barbadians during those years. 

 

The heroic deeds and contributions to Barbados’ development of National Heroes such as Bussa, Clement Payne, Samuel Jackman and Charles Duncan O’Neal were highlighted throughout the work.

 

Particularly captivating was the scene where Nanny Grigg stood up against the British officers who visited her home following the revolt. She was later arrested and killed because she refused to back down from her firm stance. 

 

Also enjoyable were the dances, songs and poems that were interwoven in the theatrical production. Overall ‘From Bussa to Barrow and beyond, which was staged in celebration of the bicentennial of the 1816 Bussa Rebellion and the 50th Anniversary of Barbados’ Independence, was well presented.