Emancipation Statue (Bussa) Roundabout: A Symbol of Freedom

Located at the J.T.C. Ramsay Roundabout on the ABC Highway, the Emancipation Statue, often called the Bussa Statue, is a powerful symbol of freedom in Barbados. Unveiled in 1985, it commemorates the 150th anniversary of emancipation and honors Bussa, who led a significant slave rebellion in 1816. The statue isn't necessarily a depiction of Bussa himself, but rather represents the collective spirit of freedom and resistance. The bronze sculpture, created by Karl Broodhagen, portrays a muscular figure breaking free from chains, reaching towards the sky. This imagery embodies the end of slavery and the hope for a better future. The statue is inscribed on both sides, one side with the words: "Lick an Lock-up Done Wid, Hurray fuh Jin-Jin [Queen Victoria]", a chant from the time of emancipation. The other side features text from the Abolition Act of 1833. Bussa's Rebellion, though suppressed, was a pivotal event in Barbados' history, demonstrating the enslaved people's desire for freedom. Today, the statue serves as a reminder of the island's complex history and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. Every year on August 1st, Barbados celebrates Emancipation Day with a march towards the statue, honoring the ancestors and celebrating freedom.