Clement Armstrong, popular businessman and operator of the seaside bar and restaurant Fisherman’s Pub, will be the first nominee of the Government’s new Cuffee’s Revolutionaries initiative, geared at recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Speightstown and other areas north of the island.
Speaking during first annual Cuffee’s Revolutionaries’ installation ceremony on Sunday, which is part of the Speightstown Global Freedom Festival 2022, Minister with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, revealed that Armstrong was chosen because of his dedication and service to the northern town over several years.
“It should be noted that the criteria for the selection of nominees for Cuffee’s Revolutionaries included having some significant tie to Speightstown, working to empower African descendants, as well as making a significant contribution to culture, business, sports, or other noteworthy endeavours that have assisted either in Speightstown or in the north of the island.
“It is proposed to have a physical wall or monument constructed, where the list of names of the inductees will be permanently and publicly displayed.
It is worth noting that the inaugural nominee, Clement Armstrong, perfectly fits the criteria as a well-known businessman, and a sponsor of many culinary and cultural activities in Speightstown over many years,” she said.
Cuffee, an enslaved African man who himself had significant ties to Speightstown, served as the fitting inspiration for the new initiative according to the Minister, who added that it was Government’s intention to fully invest in the heritage economy.
“The Government’s thrust for developing a heritage economy, stems from building awareness of our cultural heritage.
Within every community there are rich stories
to be told and documented; Cuffee’s story is one that is not well-known, but it is important to developing a strong Barbadian consciousness.
“Indeed, Cuffee’s link to Speightstown deepens the story of trade, and supplants it within the story of the struggle for justice and resistance of the enslaved people.”
She added: “The various sites in Speightstown associated with Cuffee are certainly suitable for nomination for the Barbados National Registrar for Historic Places.
From a policy perspective, this fits within the division’s mandate to preserve Barbados’ heritage,
it also presents the opportunity to link the story of Cuffee in Speightstown to the establishment of Rock Hall Freedom Village.
“Both sites because of their rich history, can be situated within UNESCO’S Routes of Enslaved Peoples: Resistance, Liberty and Heritage.” (SB)
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