1763 uprising has lessons for modern day politicians – Guyanese historian

Local historian Tota Mangar believes that the 1763 Berbice Slave Revolt holds poignant lessons for modern day politicians in terms of mutual co-existence as well as an appreciation for the well-being of all, regardless of colour, class or creed.

Speaking to Guyana Times International about the impact of the uprising, Mangar noted that the 1763 Berbice Slave Revolt is a significant occurrence in Guyana’s history since it represents one of the earliest attempts at gaining freedom.
Mangar believes that the 1763 uprising is highly momentous and with great significance for the Guyanese people.
“We can use it as a motivational factor and a tool for development,” the historian said.
He added that among the lessons to be learnt are that mass unity, even if short-lived, results in the desired outcome.
He noted that Cuffy, the leader of the revolt, was negotiating for a shared living space and a general acceptance of all groups as one of the main drivers of the uprising.
Mangar detailed that such experiences are abundant in lessons of inspiration to Guyana’s political, social and cultural structures in present day, taking into consideration a common goal.
Indicating that Guyana started off a trend of rebellions, Mangar pointed out that not only did it occur before the Haitian Revolution, which was highly successful, but also prior to the American Revolution against British rule.
Now, in the 250th year of its observance, Mangar said that the slave uprising anniversary has coincided with Guyana’s Republic Anniversary, allowing for a widened scope of activities to mark the two events.

According to Mangar, a series of commemorative lectures on the issue of reparation, causes of the rebellion and the role of women in slavery are being conducted at the Umana Yana.
Some of the presenters include renowned Guyanese historian Alvin Thompson and University of the West Indies (UWI Mona Campus) Emeritus Professor, Verene Shepherd.
Historian and Stabroek News’ Sunday Editor Anna Benjamin, (who was attached to the Amerindian Research Unit), has also recently launched a detailed publication on the slave revolt. Her version of events is extremely helpful to students preparing for the Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).