In 1816, he led the world's largest slave revolt: Who is Bussa of Barbados?
Bussa had led the largest slave revolt in 1816, known as the Bussa revolt. Bussa was born in West Africa and is said to be Igbo or Akan. He was captured, sold to the British, and then brought to Barbados towards the end of the 16th century.
Not many records remain of him, as the masters did not bother to hide information about their slaves. Records show that he worked as a caretaker on a plantation in Saint Philip shortly before the rebellion. His position as a plantation keeper would have given him some privileges, and more freedom than other slaves, and would have facilitated revolt planning.
The Bussa revolt began on April 12, 1816. It was one of three major slave revolts that had an impact on the population in the British West Indies in the years leading up to freedom. The Bussa revolt was followed by the Demerara revolt in Guyana and a larger revolt in Jamaica between 1831 and 1832.
Bussa's rebellion (14–16 April 1816) was the largest slave revolt in Barbadian history. The rebellion takes its name from the African-born slave, Bussa, who led the rebellion. The rebellion, which was eventually defeated by the colonial militia, was the first of three mass slave rebellions in the British West Indies that shook public faith in slavery in the years leading up to the abolition of slavery in the British Empire and emancipation of former slaves. It was followed by the Demerara rebellion of 1823 and by the Baptist War in Jamaica in 1831–1832; these are often referred to as the "late slave rebellions".
Slave revolts in the British West Indies were divided into two categories, depending on their purpose, size, and revolts: Those organized primarily by slaves from Africa. Bussa was born in Africa.
Bussa's rebellion was planned by him and his many collaborators, including Washington Franklin, Nanny Grigg, and several artisans and servants. The revolt spread to some sugar plantations, including the Bayley plantation where it started. Around February 1816, it was decided to hold the revolt in April of the same year. Bussa led all freedom fighters on Tuesday, April 16. He commanded more than four hundred warriors and died in this rebellion. But it had a huge impact on the future of Barbados.
Bussa remains a popular and iconic figure in Barbados' history. In 1985, 169 years after its rebellion, the Bussa Statue, also known as the Statue of Liberty, was unveiled to the public in Haggat Hall in Saint Michael. Through a law passed in Parliament, Bussa was recognized as one of Barbados' ten national heroes.
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Not just a Barbadian hero - Bussa's role in Caribbean freedom unveiled
https://barbados.loopnews.com/content/not-just-barbadian-hero-bussas-role-caribbean-freedom-unveiled