Latest update April 12th, 2025 6:32 PM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Historical observance forms part of African celebrations

Jul 16, 2011 News

By Trevona Weekes

As part of the celebrations for the International Year for People of African Descent, the Museum of African Heritage, in collaboration with the Friends of the Museum, hosted a lecture on the 1823 Demerara Revolt yesterday.
The presentation was delivered by Guyanese Historian, Professor Winston McGowan, who identified the reasons for a lecture on the 1823 revolt rather than the other revolts that occurred in the colonies.
He said that the revolt did not attract much attention over the years but for the death of Reverend John Smith; the significant contribution of the revolt to the abolition of slavery; the erection of the Brickdam Smith Congregational Church; and the name change of the formerly known Murray Street, now Quamina Street.
He added that there is an unfulfilled proposal by the Mayor and City Council; the erection of a monument in remembrance of the historic event.
Professor McGowan said that in order for anyone to write about an historic event, the three “C’s” must always be pointed out- cause, course and consequence.
The rebellion broke out on the August 18, 1823 for many reasons, particularly, the basic human desire to be free. The slave system was becoming increasingly harsh and the slaves misinterpreted the “amelioration proposal” for freedom, so they rebelled.
The “abortive” rebellion broke out on Plantation Le Ressouvenir, seven miles east of Georgetown, and quickly spread to many other East Demerara estates.
The uprising collapsed quickly since the slaves, despite being armed, were poorly organized. A group of soldiers clashed with the slaves and savagely crushed them, leaving more than 250 dead.
Professor McGowan said that when one thinks of the 1823 revolt, one must also consider the 1763 Berbice rebellion. At the same time he made comparisons to highlight similarities and differences in the two rebellions.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| April, 11th, 2025

 

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

FL Sport provides financial boost to Guyana U-15 quartet

FL Sport provides financial boost to Guyana U-15 quartet

Apr 12, 2025

Kaieteur Sports- In a significant show of support for the next generation of Guyanese cricketers, FL Sport has provided a timely financial contribution to four members of the national Under-15 squad...
Read More
Guyanese golfers Hussain, Arjune to attend 2025 T&T Invitational

Guyanese golfers Hussain, Arjune to attend 2025...

Apr 12, 2025

Quarterfinal showdowns set in Milo/Massy U18 Football C/ship…

Quarterfinal showdowns set in Milo/Massy U18...

Apr 12, 2025

Lusignan Golf Club: A Premier Destination for Corporate and Social Events

Lusignan Golf Club: A Premier Destination for...

Apr 12, 2025

Paul misses century as Red Force trail by 122 runs

Paul misses century as Red Force trail by 122

Apr 12, 2025

National 9-Ball Pool championship cues off today

National 9-Ball Pool championship cues off today

Apr 12, 2025

Features/Columnists

  • Mashing an ants’ nest

    Peeping Tom Kaieteur News-  The People’s Progressive Party Civic has always believed in its own myth. It has fashioned... more

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]