(CMR) While the Cayman Islands stopped celebrating Emancipation Day over 50 years ago, these beautiful islands are not free from the history of slavery. As we celebrate Emancipation Day today, 6 May, here are some facts about slavery and Emancipation in the Cayman Islands:
– Slavery took place in Cayman for about a century (1734-1834)
– On August 1st, 1834, England passed the Abolition of Slavery Act
– In 1834, Cayman had 985 slaves and 121 slave owners
– Only three slave owners had more than 40 slaves
– Cayman slaves were not registered in England
– Conflicts in Cayman between former masters and apprentices lead Governor Sligo to decide to free the slaves
– In 1835, on May 2nd, Governor Sligo arrived from Jamaica and met with 25 principal inhabitants on board HMS Forte
–The 3rd May 1835 was a pivotal day in the history of the Cayman Islands, at that time known as CAYMANAS. On this day, 189 years ago, the Emancipation Proclamation and an Address by Governor Sligo ‘To the Inhabitants of Grand Caymanas’ were read out in George Town. When this was done, the lives of the inhabitants of these islands, free and enslaved, changed forever.
– Caymanian slaves were made “absolutely and unconditionally free” immediately
– Whereas slaves on other islands had to participate in apprenticeship for up to 8 years, Caymanians received their freedom immediately.
– Cayman celebrated Emancipation Day from 1909-1962
– In 1962, Emancipation Day was replaced with Constitution Day
– In late 2023, Cabinet reinstated Emancipation Day
Long Celia
– In 1820, a female slave named Long Celia overheard from crewmen that freedom was coming. She shared the news with other slaves; as a result, she was tried for “uttering seditious words, to stir up a revolution”
Long Celia received 50 lashes in George Town, close to where the museum is currently located.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid