By Coretta Joe
“I wasn’t born, but me grandma tell me how we had riots in this country.
Great depression de people dem face,
So dem a riot and dem bun down de place,
Yeah, we had riots in de land, riots in de land!”
— Lyrics by Dr Anthony “Gabby” Carter
July 26th is the Day of National Significance in Barbados, marking the anniversary of the 1937 uprising, a pivotal moment in the country’s history of social and political awakening. This year, the commemoration was solemnly observed with a ceremony at Golden Square Freedom Park, where the riots of 1937 took place.
Barbados Ambassador to CARICOM, David Commissiong, served as the night’s MC.
MC David Commissiong, Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, reminded attendees of the importance of the site, emphasising that they were on “sacred grounds”.
The evening began with the formal commemoration of Barbados’ fight for justice and equality. Prime Minister Mia Mottley was the featured speaker, highlighting the importance of July 26 and its relevance today.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley delivered the keynote address.
“I give context because many of our people need to appreciate that this is not some faraway concept. We come together first to give thanks that they had the courage to do what they did. Because when we look around and contextualise it in today’s world, we ask ourselves, who has the courage to stand up and to defend where wrong needs to be repaired? They did.”
Following the address, the Prime Minister and other government officials laid wreaths at the bust of The Rt. Excellent Clement Payne in Golden Square Freedom Park.
Children assisted with the laying of wreaths at the bust of The Rt. Hon. Clement Payne.
Payne, a notable labour rights activist, played a crucial role in igniting the 1937 unrest. His deportation by colonial authorities in that year galvanised many oppressed Barbadians and marked the beginning of widespread protests against systemic injustice.
The highlight of the evening was the theatrical production Behind the Smoke, written and directed by Angelo Lascelles. This gripping dramatisation vividly depicted the events leading up to the uprising, bringing 1930s Barbados to life through storytelling, music, and movement. The play examined the social and economic complexities of the time, revealing how systemic oppression persisted decades after slavery was abolished and fuelling the conditions for rebellion.
Neil Waithe (as Eustace) and Akil Ifill (as Darnley) engage in a heated conversation during the play.
The characters, Eustace, played by Neil Waithe; Doris, by Kim Weekes; and Darnley, by Akil Ifill, represented different facets of Barbadian society. Eustace, a disillusioned worker, often clashed with his son Darnley, an aspiring activist inspired by Clement Payne. The play also portrayed the tragic consequences of the uprising, including the deaths of 14 people and 47 wounded.
Speaking to Barbados TODAY after the performance, choreographer Olivia Hall reflected on her experience. “The inspiration is rooted in the script and, most importantly, the story. I can’t help but be inspired by the stories behind these events. It’s a challenge, sometimes working four hours a day, but it’s ultimately about bringing the director’s vision to life.”
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