Latest update April 12th, 2026 12:50 AM
Guyanese Literature Junction
by Petamber Persaud
1st of AUGUST, 1838
‘Oh ye first of August freed men who now liberty enjoy;
Salute the day and shout hurrah to Queen Victoria;
On this glad day the galling chains of Slavery were broke
From off the necks of Afric’s sons, who bled beneath its yoke.
With hearts and voice you should rejoice, to God the glory give.
Now freedom is your happy lot, as freedmen you should live
Your minds you ought to cultivate as well as till the ground,
And virtuous actions imitate wherein true bliss abound.
To your masters then you’ll fill a glass and drink with grateful glee,
And to all those of the same class who nobly set you free.
Then you should sing, God Save the Queen, oh, may she live forever;
Great Britain your true friend has been—forsake you, may she never.’
This poem written by Simon Christian Oliver may be the only surviving verse on the freeing of slaves in British Guiana. Simon Christian Oliver was a Black schoolmaster stationed at St. Augustine’s in Buxton. Oliver was born in Grenada, successfully settling in British Guiana where he died in 1848, grieving to return to his birthplace.
Oliver is reported to have written some poems in 1838 and his verse, ‘1st August, 1838’ may be the only surviving piece to mark the occasion of freeing of slaves in this country. It is an important voice despite the subject of that poem; it is abounding in archaic English phrases and in praise of the monarchy, ‘oh! Ye first of August freed men who liberty enjoy,/salute the day and shout hurrah to Queen Victoria’.
Poetry then and for a long while after was written in similar vein. But there is balance in, ‘Your minds you ought to cultivate as well as till the ground/And virtuous actions imitate wherein true bliss abound’.
Oliver was mindful of giving praise where it is due and also perceptive enough to know what may ensue after emancipation.
Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com
What’s happening:
• The Guyana Annual magazine is inviting entries to its eight literary competitions namely Open Story and Open Poetry, Youth Story and Youth Poetry, Henry Josiah Writing Story for Children, Rajkumari Singh Writing Poetry for Children, Martin Carter Essay (under 13), Egbert Martin Poetry (under 13) and to its art and photography competitions.
• Be a part of the centenary celebrations of the National Library; see press for details. Make a tangible contribution by submitting relevant photo and recollections for possible publication in the Centenary Souvenir Magazine.
Share this:
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.