Caribbean Dreams Magazine Volume 2 | Page 19

extra! extra! Bussa (Unknown — 1816) Who led the 1816 revolt dubbed “the Bussa Rebellion”, the first large uprising in the British West Indies. This precipitated other riots in the region, and had a great influence on the eventual abolition of slavery in 1834 Sarah Ann Gill (1795 – 1866) Sarah Ann Gill is noted to have helped establish the first alternative to the white-dominated “Church Of England” in Barbados through her commitment to religious freedom. She stood up to the white planter class by opening her home as a Methodist church, after their mission was burned down by the planters. Though she was persecuted for holding these meetings, she continued.   Sir Errol Walton Barrow (1920−1987) Errol Barrow is remembered as the founder of the Democratic Labour Party and the “father of independence.” Under Barrow’s leadership, Social Security, the School Meals System and National Health Insurance were introduced and free education at all levels was granted.   Samuel Jackman Prescod (1806−1871) Samuel Prescod was the first black person to be elected to the House of Assembly. He sought to create educational facilities for the children of ex-slaves and to give coloureds the freedom to