THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 14th April 1816

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 14th April 1816 - The Bussa Rebellion commenced on the Caribbean island of Barbados.

Bussa was a slave, thought to be of Igbo origin, who planned and led the largest uprising of Africans against the harsh and inhumane system of slavery they were forced to endure. Bussa had been given the role of ranger on the Bayley plantation which enabled him to travel to other estates. This "freedom" enabled Bussa to coordinate and plan the uprising with others including Jackey, a driver from the Simmons estate, Nanny Grigg, a domestic also from the Simmons estate and King Wiltshire, a carpenter from the Bayley estate.

Despite Bussa being killed in battle his troops continued to fight but were eventually defeated due to the superior fire arms of their opponents, the West India Regiment. About 300 of Bussa's army were taken for trial with 144 executed and another132 deported to other islands.

169 years after the Bussa led revolt, in 1985, a statue was erected in honour of Bussa in the parish of St. Michael, Barbados

The following is an animated narration which describes the Bussa led rebellion: