Actions taken

• The Bussa Rebellion of 1816:

  • Started at Bayley’s Plantation on Easter Sunday, 14th April 1816
  • Spread to St. Philip, Christ Church, St. John, St. Thomas, St. George, parts of St. Michael, and minor outbreaks in St. Lucy
  • Lasted less than four days and was quashed by military troops
• Actions taken by the enslaved blacks during the rebellion:

  • Planning began after the planters rejected the Registration Bill
  • Rebel leaders met frequently to discuss strategies
  • Messages were sent to other rebel groups that the planters were opposing Britain’s efforts for freedom
  • Rebels relied heavily on arson to destroy the planter’s wealth and communicate with other rebel groups
• Reasons for rebelling at Easter:

  • Easter symbolised a new life, a final emancipation
  • Whites were thought to be more vulnerable to attack due to Easter celebrations
  • Fully grown canes provided cover for ambush and fight tactics
  • Rebels burning mature canes would cause planters to lose money