Emancipation Statue (Bussa Roundabout)

The Emancipation Statue, more commonly known as the Bussa Statue, is a powerful symbol of freedom located at the Bussa Roundabout on the ABC Highway in St. Michael, near Bridgetown. This imposing bronze sculpture by Barbadian-Guyanese artist Karl Broodhagen was unveiled in 1985 to mark the 150th anniversary of emancipation.The statue commemorates the abolition of slavery and honors Bussa, who inspired a major slave rebellion in Barbados in 1816. Although the statue isn't specifically sculpted to be Bussa, it embodies the spirit of the rebellion leader. The statue represents a figure breaking free from chains, arms raised in defiance and triumph, capturing the essence of emancipation.The monument is inscribed on both sides, enhancing its significance. One side features the words: "Lick an Lock-up Done Wid, Hurray fuh Jin-Jin [Queen Victoria]", a popular chant among Barbadians when slavery was officially abolished in 1838. The other side contains text from the Abolition Act of 1833, providing historical context. Every year on August 1st, Barbados celebrates Emancipation Day, and crowds gather at the Bussa Roundabout to commemorate the anniversary of the abolition of slavery.