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Emancipation Statue (Bussa) Roundabout: A Symbol of Freedom

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A powerful symbol of freedom and resilience in Barbados, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people and honoring national hero Bussa.

The Emancipation Statue, also known as the Bussa Statue, is a bronze sculpture in Bridgetown, Barbados, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people. It stands as a tribute to Bussa, who led a major slave rebellion in 1816, symbolizing the breaking of chains and the fight for freedom.

A brief summary to Emancipation Statue (Bussa) Roundabout

  • Bridgetown, Saint Michael, BB
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy a quieter, more reflective experience.
  • Take time to read the inscriptions and educational plaques around the statue to fully appreciate its historical significance and the story of Bussa.
  • 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.

  • Public Transport

    From the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, walk to the nearby Fairchild Street Bus Terminal (approximately 10-15 minutes). From there, take any bus heading towards the ABC Highway or St. Michael. Look for buses numbered 10E, 10S, 19, 31, or 28. The bus fare is BBD 3.50. Inform the driver that you wish to get off at the Bussa Roundabout. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, taxis are readily available. A taxi ride to the Emancipation Statue (Bussa) Roundabout 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.

Discover more about Emancipation Statue (Bussa) Roundabout

The Emancipation Statue, more affectionately known as the Bussa Statue, is a powerful monument located at the Bussa Roundabout in Bridgetown, Barbados. Unveiled in 1985, the statue commemorates the 150th anniversary of emancipation and symbolizes the breaking of the chains of slavery.The imposing bronze sculpture, created by Barbadian-Guyanese artist Karl Broodhagen, depicts a muscular figure with broken chains around his wrists, reaching towards the sky. While often referred to as Bussa, the statue represents the collective spirit of freedom and resistance. Bussa, an enslaved West African man, led a significant slave rebellion in 1816, a pivotal event in Barbados' history. The rebellion, involving approximately 400 enslaved people, aimed to overthrow the white planter class and challenge the oppressive system of slavery.Located at the J.T.C. Ramsay Roundabout, where the ABC Highway meets Highway 5, the statue is easily accessible. The statue is inscribed on both sides, with one side reading: "Lick an Lock-up Done Wid, Hurray fuh Jin-Jin [Queen Victoria]". This chant was popular among Barbadians when slavery was officially abolished. The other side features text from the Abolition Act of 1833. Every year on August 1st, Barbados celebrates Emancipation Day, with a march towards the statue in recognition of the abolition of slavery and Bussa's contribution.

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