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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 located at a central roundabout in Bridgetown, Barbados. Created by Karl Broodhagen in 1985, it commemorates the 150th anniversary of emancipation and symbolizes the breaking of the chains of slavery. The statue honors Bussa, who led a major slave rebellion in 1816, and represents the collective spirit of freedom and resistance.

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 experience.
  • 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.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are 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 Fairchild Street Bus Terminal (approximately 10-15 minutes). 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 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 serves as a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices, and triumph over adversity.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 the Bussa Statue, it represents the collective spirit of freedom and resistance rather than a specific depiction of Bussa. Bussa, an enslaved man of West African descent, led a major slave rebellion in 1816, a pivotal event in the island's history. Although the revolt was suppressed and Bussa was killed, his courage inspired generations and solidified his place as a national hero.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 hailed by thousands of 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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