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Emancipation Statue (Bussa) Roundabout

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

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The Emancipation Statue, also known as the Bussa Statue, is a bronze sculpture in Bridgetown, Barbados, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people. Unveiled in 1985, it honors Bussa, who led a major slave rebellion in 1816, and symbolizes freedom and the breaking of chains. The statue is located on the ABC Highway at the J.T.C. Ramsay roundabout.

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 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

    To reach the Emancipation Statue via public transportation, look for a bus heading towards the ABC Highway or St. Michael from either the Fairchild Street Terminal or the Princess Alice Terminal in Bridgetown. Look for buses numbered 10E, 10S, 19, 31, or 28. The bus fare is BBD 3.50, payable in local currency. Inform the driver that you wish to disembark 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.

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Discover more about Emancipation Statue (Bussa) Roundabout

The Emancipation Statue, often called the Bussa Statue, is a powerful monument in Bridgetown, Barbados, symbolizing the end of slavery. Erected in 1985, it commemorates the 150th anniversary of emancipation and honors Bussa, who led a significant slave rebellion in 1816. The statue is not specifically sculpted to be Bussa, but represents the collective spirit of freedom and resistance. The bronze sculpture, created by Barbadian-Guyanese artist Karl Broodhagen, depicts a muscular figure breaking free from chains, reaching towards the sky. This imagery embodies emancipation and the determination of enslaved people to overcome oppression. The statue is located at the J.T.C. Ramsay Roundabout, where the ABC Highway meets Highway 5, making it visible to many. Inscribed on both sides, one side of the statue features the chant, "Lick an Lock-up Done Wid, Hurray fuh Jin-Jin [Queen Victoria]," which Barbadians hailed when slavery was abolished. The other side contains text from the Abolition Act of 1833. Every year on August 1st, Barbados celebrates Emancipation Day with a march to the statue, honoring the end of slavery and Bussa's contribution. Bussa was officially declared a National Hero in 1998.

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