Roseau, Saint George, Dominica — Caribbean Region of the Americas (Lesser Antilles of the West Indies)
Neg Mawon Emancipation Monument
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, April 17, 2016
1. Neg Mawon Emancipation Monument Marker
This monument is a symbol of freedom and emancipation. It is a tribute to all the enslaved Africans who suffered and were executed in the history of Dominica.
It honours the Maroons who risked their lives to fight for the emancipation of all. It pays homage to those who were sold and executed at the Old Roseau Market and who were held at the Barracoon Building in Roseau before being sold and sent to the plantations.
This monument salutes the memory of our African ancestors and the immense contribution of their skills to our early infrastructure and the development of agriculture in Dominica through the shedding of their blood, sweat and tears.
It celebrates the powerful and lasting influence which our which our African ancestors had on Dominica's present day culture, especially in our forms of music, language, costumes and cuisine.
This memorial is a reminder to all Dominicans that we should continue to sustain our African heritage and its many cultural expressions.
Erected 2013.
Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Wars, Non-US.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 15° 17.767′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Anglican Church (here, next to this marker); World Wars Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Glory to the French from Dominica (within shouting distance of this marker); Carnegie Library of Roseau (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Methodist Church (about 150 meters away); Roseau Bayfront (about 150 meters away); Roseau Cathedral (about 180 meters away); a different marker also named Roseau Bayfront (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roseau.
Regarding Neg Mawon Emancipation Monument. An August 2, 2013 article in Dominica Online mentions that: Amidst the sound of conch shells and beating drums Dominica’s president Eluid Williams untied the knots of a green cloth, unveiling a statue which has been described as a symbol of the fight for freedom, triumph over adversities and a sign of resilience and strength.
The unveiling of the Neg Mawon Emancipation Monument took place on Thursday afternoon as part of Dominica’s 2013 Emancipation Celebrations.
The monument, which has been erected at the roundabout on the corner of Turkey Lane and Victoria Street and Castle Street,
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, April 17, 2016
2. Neg Mawon Emancipation Monument Marker
Historian Dr Lennox Honychurch, stated that the monument recalls negre maron chiefs such as Bala, Jacko, Pharcel and Qwashi amongst others, who resisted slavery by taking to the bushes and who lost their lives in the battle against slavery.
According to Honychurch, the monument was erected near the area the slaves knew as their Babylon; the Roseau Old Market. It is said that the Old Market signified a place for public punishment and execution, for the slaves.
Minister for Information Ambrose George, who represented Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit at Thursday’s celebration, told the gathering that the monument pays tribute in a tangible way, to those who desperately fought for freedom. He added that it is because of those maroons that we are able to enjoy freedom today.
“This monument serves to ensure that the story of our ancestors remains in our collective memory now and in the future. This monument contributes to the task of nation building; it reflects our maturity as a nation,” George said.
He pointed out further that it is important to pay attention to nation building and urged Dominicans to join forces in rewriting their history and not regurgitate the stories that perpetuate the Eurocentric views of the stories that
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, April 24, 2018
3. Neg Mawon Emancipation Monument was completely toppled during Hurricane Maria in September 2017
George added that it is imperative that Dominicans pay tribute to the island’s heroes since their actions assisted in putting Dominica on the path that they are today.
Chief cultural officer Raymond Lawrence said, “the monument is a symbol of freedom and emancipation and pays homage to slaves and maroons, and celebrates powerful and lasting influence of the slave and maroons.”
Lawrence noted that the slaves contributed significantly to the culture that Dominica celebrates today.
The monument was built by Franklyn Zamore.
August 1st, 2013 marked the 175th anniversary of Dominica’s emancipation from slavery.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 9, 2019
4. Neg Mawon Emancipation Monument
The statue of Neg Mawon has been repaired and replaced following Hurricane Maria in 2017, although the marker is still missing.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, April 17, 2016
5. The Old Roseau Market
Mentioned on the marker, this was the site of a slave market during the Colonial Period. It is behind the Dominica Museum on Church Street and is now an arts and crafts market. Note the Victorian era public water fountain structure to the right.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, April 17, 2016
6. The Barracoon Building, Dame Mary E. Charles Boulevard and Hillsborough Street.
The building, mentioned on the marker, is where slaves were kept in its basement prior to being sold. This building now houses the Dominican High Civil Court Building.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, April 27, 2018
7. The Barracoon Building was also heavily damaged during Hurricane Maria in September 2017
Credits. This page was last revised on June 15, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 1,286 times since then and 99 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 25, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 3. submitted on May 8, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 4. submitted on June 15, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 5, 6. submitted on April 25, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 7. submitted on May 8, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
