Inaugurated on the eve of Barbados becoming a republic, on 29 November 2021, Golden Square Freedom Park aims to be a place of reflection and education about the sacrifices past Barbadians have made in the nation’s history .

History

Particularly celebrated is national hero Clement Payne, who used to hold public meetings here in the 1930s. He was instrumental in advocating for workers’ rights, demanding better working and living conditions, and establishing trade unions. His motto was to “educate, agitate, but do not violate”.

Perceived as a threat by the colonial and local authorities, he was eventually arrested and secretly deported back to Trinidad – his birthplace. This sparked the labour riots of 1937, which resulted in 14 dead, 47 wounded, and 500 arrests, plus millions of dollars of damage to property. But they marked a significant turning point in labour relations.

The park

The square is filled with artworks that commemorate this time, from a bust of Clement himself, to several walls of remembrance, including one featuring a collage of items used in the 1930s (pictured at the top).

Practical Info

The square is next to Fairchild Street Bus Terminal.