From Oppression to Emancipation: Cayman’s Unique Journey to Freedom

On the historic morning of 3rd May 1835, Captain Anthony Pack donned the scarlet livery of the British West India Regiment as he stood overlooking the serene waters of Hog Sty Bay in Cayman. Gathered below, Cayman’s formerly enslaved population awaited a proclamation that would change their lives forever.

Accompanied by the Governor of Jamaica, Lord Sligo, Captain Pack read out the declaration that granted freedom to the people of Cayman, making them one of the first truly liberated black communities in the Colonial Caribbean. The scene was set against the backdrop of HMS Forte and HMS Serpent anchored off the shore, symbols of British colonial power.

The Governor’s address, aimed at the former slave owners and the newly freed black Caymanians, emphasized the significance of the moment and the challenges that lay ahead. White slave owners, though compensated, were reminded of the loss of their labor force, while the now-free black population faced uncertainties of housing and sustenance.

Days after the proclamation, Bodden Town erupted in wild celebrations, with joyful ex-slaves indulging in music, dancing, and expressions of freedom that were previously suppressed. Reverend Tom Sharpe’s account vividly captures the jubilation with banners proclaiming ‘Slavery be dead, we be free’ and ‘De king hab set we free, rejoice’.

Cayman’s transition from a society built on a system of slavery to one of freedom marked the end of a century-long era of oppression. Historically rooted in logging and cotton plantations, Cayman’s slave population had grown over the years, forming a significant part of the community.

Following emancipation, the issue of compensating former slave owners arose, highlighting disparities in treatment compared to other colonies. British authorities, facing unrest and lawlessness, decided to grant immediate freedom to Cayman’s apprentices, bypassing the apprenticeship system in place elsewhere.

The aftermath of emancipation saw former slaves left without compensation, while former slave owners claimed significant sums via the Bank of England for their lost ‘property’. Amid social tensions and economic shifts, Cayman began a new chapter, shaping an equal future through shared labor and mutual endeavors.

The restoration of Emancipation Day in Cayman, celebrated on May 5th annually, recognizes the island’s unique emancipation story. Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly’s initiative underscores the importance of honoring Cayman’s journey from oppression to liberation, inspiring reflection on the resilience of those who endured enslavement.