Bringing Peace from Troubled Beginnings
November 7 will mark 180 years since 83 freed Africans who were previously enslaved, bought Plantation Northbrook and renamed it Victoria, in honour of then monarch of British Guiana, Queen Victoria.
Located some 18 miles east of the capital city, Georgetown, Victoria Village is revered as the first village that the Africans purchased after becoming free from years of bondage and abject suffering. Today it rests peacefully along the East Coast of Demerara, after initially harbouring its original inhabitants, scarred from generations of slavery, who were finally free to choose their own destinies.
According to historical folklore, the 83 persons pooled their money in a wheelbarrow and assembled at a common point, now known as the Emancipation Hut where the village was bought. The hut was converted to a butcher shop and now houses a snackette but has retained its original design from since the village purchase was made, back in November 1839. The plantation then was bought for 30,000 guilders or $10,283.63.
A modern construction boom is now evident in the area, with many concrete buildings replacing the traditional wooden designs that once dominated the village.
One striking example was the venerable Wilberforce Congregational Church, which had been first built in 1845 but was converted around five years agousing modern construction techniques.
In the church lies a plaque that honours the memory of William Africa Baptiste, who has been widely known as ‘Boss Africa’. He was the first school master in Victoria and taught in the Wilberforce Church. ‘Boss Africa’ passed away at the age of 92 in 1881.
The Wilberforce Congregational Church was the first constructed in Victoria, and named after William Wilberforce, who has been noted as an abolitionist. Residents described the village as one where religion plays an important role in providing guidance.
While the majority of inhabitants were said to be members of the Seventh Day Adventist movement, others churches maintain their presence in the village. One such is the Church of the Immaculate Conception Victoria, which will mark its 153th Anniversary in December.
Given the historical significance of the village to Guyana’s cultural footprint, African heritage and its associated observances have been passed down throughout the many generations.
These include, “throwing box” where a group of persons pool money and alternate those who obtain a specified sum; preparation of cultural foods like conkie, metem and dry food; masquerade bands and African drumming, notably celebrated around Emancipation season.
Many persons in Victoria are farmers but have encountered several challenges throughout the years. Though there has been an issue of youth unemployment in the area, it has not broken the spirit of inhabitants who have remained as resilient as their ancestors, throughout the history of Victoria Village.
