Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today Inc.
I had the opportunity to attend the recent official opening ceremony of the Rock Hall Freedom Park in Rock Hall village, St. Thomas. I had on several occasions in the past years attempted to visit the site but could never find the entrance off the main road. Many thanks to Minister John King for arranging my attendance at the ceremony and finally getting the opportunity to see the place and experience the surroundings.
The Opening Ceremony was very well coordinated and showcased some of Barbados’ exceptional talent on the stage. Congratulations to all those who are involved in the project and those who planned and executed the opening ceremony. The Park itself is long in happening and Ministers King and Forde as well as those in the various Ministries must be credited for ensuring it being finally achieved. The Rock Hall Monument of Freedom was erected in 2005 but the area was left unattended in the subsequent years.
The Monument of Freedom recognizes the first free villagers and their descendants. The Abstract that accompanies the Monument sets the tone for what one is witnessing and experiencing as one visits the area and views the Monument.
“From the Belly of the Slave Ship to a Free Holder, the Spirits of the African Ancestors beckon the enslaved souls, guiding them to the first Free Village.”
“Standing tall in a sacred pool of water, the Bronze Ancestral Spirits rise majestically across the ravine symbolizing that any mountain can be climbed, any turbulent ocean crossed and any shackled soul can be Free.”
“It is generally believed that the seeds of mankind were sown in Africa.”
“The Spirits therefore represent All Races.”
“They are guiding All People to a place free from Mental and Physical Slavery.”
“To a Place free from Guilt and Shame.”
Rock Hall Village has an interesting history. And as Minister King pointed out that while not every aspect of our history might be pretty, it was important to revere those who made it possible for Barbadians of today to succeed.
As the brochure describes “The Rock Hall National park of Freedom is in honor of the first residents who the established Rock Hall Village in 1840. The village is recognized as the first Free Village to be established on the island after Emancipation in 1834. Founded mainly by former slaves and labourers from the nearby Mount Wilton plantation, these men and women had been enabled to purchase land at Rock Hall because they had received a substantial cash bequest under the 1820 will of Reynold Alleyne Elcock for what he termed their “uniform good conduct.”
Reading the history of the Village will enlighten one as to various elements of the melodrama associated with Rock Hall and its first residents. Nevertheless the Free Village does carry much economic, social, political and cultural significance. It is a part of Barbados’ history like so many other places and spaces on our island that is worth highlighting and making a legacy. As the brochure states “Rock Hall Freedom Village, and the Rock Hall Park of Freedom are part of a living museum.
The plans as outlined to make the entire area into a park as well as a means of economic benefit to persons in the village by way of shops and other businesses is commendable. Sites such as these and many others can be made into economically viable options given the right planning and will to execute. We have a history and a legacy worth exhibiting and experiencing. Some aspects as mentioned earlier are painful reminders of a past era but it doesn’t mean the story shouldn’t be told. We learn our history in order to inform our present reality and to plan our future.
What I have been observing among Barbadians of all walks is that since the onset of COVID and the restrictions placed both on travel abroad as well as popular local entertainment events many are taking in the wonderful offerings of Barbados’ natural beauty, landscape and its places of national importance. I am witnessing more and more Barbadians making the effort to be tourists in their own country. This is an excellent development and one that should be vigorously promoted. Many included myself have argued that tourists pay thousands to come here to enjoy Barbados, its scenery and what it has to offer. Nothing stops us Barbadians from enjoying the same.
I am hearing stories now from many first time hikers, utilizing the walking and hiking options provided by the several groups who offer these experiences that they didn’t realize how beautiful Barbados is and the many hidden gems off the beaten tracks. Staycations, eating out or simply going to places, parks, buildings, towns and villages that allow for us to learn more and spend some money in our own country helps us and certainly helps our economy.
There are many talented Barbadians engaged in a wide array of activities that are not heralded or given the exposure that they deserve. They are involved in positive enterprises that if given the opportunity they can showcase their talents and benefit from it. Moving around Barbados allows us to encounter and engage these talented folks.
Minister King has spoken to utilizing abandoned buildings around Barbados for culture, arts and creative expression. If this can be achieved with minimal expenditure and widespread national support it would certainly give the more artistic and creative amongst us avenues to showcase their skills and talents.
The preservation and promotion of several places in Barbados that can be interpretative spaces is also necessary. A place of historical, national importance or even a simple footnote of significance that has widespread appeal to be visited, observed and take a selfie by. Similar to how Rihaana’s childhood home was made a place for visitors, and recently the grave of Jackie Opel. All done in a manner recognizing what is important, relevant and reverent to us as a Nation and as a people.
The proposed Maritime Museum, when financing permits, is another important project. Our maritime history and the Careenage in Bridgetown has many stories to be told and highlighted. Perhaps the statue of Nelson can finally be laid to rest in that Museum and money earned from patrons going to see it there.
As I sat at the State funeral of our late Prime Minister Arthur I thought about where in Barbados does one go, besides online, to learn, witness and experience the legacies of our former national leaders. In the US each President upon leaving office set the wheels in motion for a “Presidential Library”. These are repositories for preserving and making available the papers, records, collections and other historical materials of every president of the United States.
Perhaps some thought can be given to having a similar space for our national leaders.
Suleiman Bulbulia is a Justice of the Peace; Secretary of the Barbados Muslim Association; Muslim Chaplain at the U.W.I, Cave Hill Campus and Chair, Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition. Email: suleimanbulbulia@hotmail.com
