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Emancipation Statue (Bussa) Roundabout: A Symbol of Freedom

A powerful monument in Bridgetown, Barbados, honoring the emancipation of enslaved people and Bussa's fight for freedom. A symbol of resilience and hope.

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The Emancipation Statue, also known as the Bussa Statue, is a bronze sculpture in a roundabout east of Bridgetown, Barbados. Created in 1985 by Karl Broodhagen, it commemorates the 150th anniversary of emancipation and symbolizes the breaking of slavery's chains. The statue honors Bussa, who led a major slave rebellion in 1816, becoming a national hero.

A brief summary to Emancipation Statue (Bussa) Roundabout

  • Bridgetown, Saint Michael, BB

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
  • Take time to read the inscriptions and educational plaques around the statue to fully appreciate its historical significance.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through nearby Bridgetown to experience the local culture, shops, and eateries.
  • Bring your camera to capture the impressive statue against the backdrop of the bustling roundabout and vibrant city life.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in central Bridgetown, walking to the Emancipation Statue is a viable option. Head east, following signs for the ABC Highway or Highway 5. The Bussa Roundabout is a prominent landmark and is approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the heart of Bridgetown. Be mindful of traffic when crossing streets. There are sidewalks for most of the route. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Emancipation Statue via public transport from within Bridgetown, locate a bus stop serving routes that pass the ABC Highway. Look for buses with route numbers 10E, 10S, 19, 31 or 28. The bus fare is typically BBD 3.50. Inform the driver you wish to disembark at the Bussa Roundabout. The statue is clearly visible from the bus stop.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis are readily available in Bridgetown. A taxi ride to the Emancipation Statue will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Agree on a fare with the driver before starting your journey. Expect to pay around BBD 25-35 for the trip. Ride-sharing services like Uber are not widely available in Barbados, so taxis are the most reliable option.

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Discover more about Emancipation Statue (Bussa) Roundabout

The Emancipation Statue, more commonly known as the Bussa Statue, stands proudly in the middle of a bustling roundabout just east of Bridgetown. This imposing bronze sculpture, created by Barbadian-Guyanese artist Karl Broodhagen, serves as a powerful reminder of Barbados' complex history and the struggle for freedom from slavery. Unveiled in 1985, the statue commemorates the 150th anniversary of emancipation. The statue is a tribute to Bussa, an enslaved man of West African descent who led a major slave rebellion in 1816. Although the revolt was ultimately unsuccessful and Bussa was killed, his courage and leadership inspired generations of Barbadians and solidified his place as a national hero. The statue depicts a muscular figure breaking free from chains, symbolizing the end of slavery and the hope for a better future. The figure's powerful stance and defiant expression capture the spirit of resistance and triumph over oppression. The roundabout where the statue is located, officially named the J.T.C. Ramsay Roundabout, is often called the Bussa Roundabout due to the statue's prominence. It is a major transportation hub where the ABC Highway meets Highway 5, making the statue highly visible to locals and visitors. The statue is inscribed on both sides, with one side bearing the words: "Lick an Lock-up Done Wid, Hurray fuh Jin-Jin [Queen Victoria]". This chant echoed among Barbadians when slavery was officially abolished in 1838. The other side features text from the Abolition Act of 1833. Every year on August 1st, Barbados celebrates Emancipation Day, with a march to the Emancipation Statue to commemorate the abolition of slavery. The event includes performances, parades, educational displays, and speeches.

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