The 1763 Berbice Slave Revolt was a rebellion that took place in the Dutch colony of Berbice, which is now part of Guyana:Â
Who led the revolt:Â The revolt was led by Cuffy, a Coromantin man who was enslaved and trafficked from West Africa, and his deputy Akra.Â
When did it happen:Â The revolt began on February 27, 1763 and lasted until 1764.Â
What happened: The rebels set fire to plantations, killed Europeans, and took over food stores and households. The rebels gained control of the colony until the Dutch army arrived.Â
What was the outcome:Â The Dutch regained the colony and executed 125 men and 3 women.Â
What caused the revolt:Â The revolt was caused by extreme labor conditions, tropical diseases, food shortages, and planter brutality.Â
What was the impact: The revolt had a significant impact in the Dutch Republic, where it was widely reported in the press. It also foreshadowed later insurrections, such as the Haitian slave rebellion.Â
What is the legacy:Â The anniversary of the revolt, February 23, is Republic Day in Guyana, and Cuffy is a national hero.Â
