By Trevona WeekesAs 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,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, 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.
