The 1763 Monument: Cuffy & the Berbice Slave Rebellion

Standing 15 feet tall in the heart of Georgetown, the 1763 Monument honors one of history's most significant — yet least known — slave rebellions. Years before the American Revolution and nearly three decades before Haiti's uprising, enslaved Africans in the Dutch colony of Berbice rose up and took control of an entire colony.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the monument, the man it honors, and why this chapter of history matters to anyone visiting Guyana.

Who Was Cuffy?

Cuffy (also spelled Kofi or Coffij) was an African Akan man, likely born in what is now southern Ghana. Captured during the Atlantic slave trade, he was brought to the Dutch colony of Berbice where he worked as a house slave for a cooper (barrel maker) on the Lilienburg plantation along the Berbice River.

When rebellion spread through the colony in February 1763, Cuffy emerged as the leader who would organize thousands of enslaved people into a fighting force. He didn't just lead a revolt — he declared himself "Governor of Berbice" and attempted to negotiate a partition of the colony with the Dutch.

The 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion

The rebellion began on February 23, 1763 on Plantation Magdalenenberg along the Canje River. Within weeks, it had spread throughout the colony, and for nearly 11 months, the enslaved population controlled Berbice — making it one of the longest-lasting slave uprisings in the Americas.

Why It Happened

In 1762, the population of Berbice was dramatically imbalanced:

• 3,833 enslaved Black Africans
• 244 enslaved Amerindians
• Only 346 white colonists

Food shortages caused by the Seven Years' War, brutal plantation conditions, and a weakened Dutch administration created the conditions for revolt.

Timeline of the Rebellion

Why It Matters

The Berbice Rebellion holds enormous historical significance:

• First major slave revolt in South America
• Predates the Haitian Revolution by 28 years
• Rebels controlled an entire colony for nearly a year
• Cuffy's letters show sophisticated political thinking — rare evidence of an enslaved person articulating political alternatives

The Monument Itself

The 1763 Monument was unveiled on May 23, 1976, marking the tenth anniversary of Guyana's independence. It stands in the Square of the Revolution (formerly the Parade Ground) in central Georgetown.

The Sculptor: Philip Moore

Philip Alphonso Moore (1921-2012) was a self-taught Guyanese artist who considered himself "spirit-taught" after a transformative dream in 1955 where he was commanded to become an artist. His work combined traditional African symbolism with Guyanese identity.

Moore received the Cacique Crown of Honour — Guyana's second-highest national award — shortly before his death at age 90.

Symbolism of the Statue

Every element of the statue carries meaning:

Visiting the 1763 Monument

Location

The monument is located in the Square of the Revolution, bounded by Homestretch Avenue, Vlissingen Road, and Hadfield Street in Georgetown. It's near the Botanical Gardens and D'Urban Park.

Practical Information

• Admission: Free (public space, accessible 24/7)
• Best time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat
• Photography: Allowed and encouraged
• Duration: 30-45 minutes to see monument and read plaques

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with:

• Botanical Gardens — 70 meters away, one of the oldest in the Caribbean
• National Gallery of Art (Castellani House) — 600 meters
• State House — President's residence, 500 meters
• St. George's Cathedral — One of the world's tallest wooden buildings

Republic Day & Mashramani

The date February 23 was deliberately chosen as Guyana's Republic Day in 1970 — it's the anniversary of when the Berbice Rebellion began in 1763.

Mashramani (from the Arawak "Mashirimehi" meaning "celebration after hard work") is the annual festival that marks this day with:

• Costume parades and masquerade bands
• Steel band and calypso music
• Float parades on Vlissingen Road
• Crowning of King and Queen of Mashramani
• Traditional food and street parties

Lesser-Known Facts

Planning Your Visit

The 1763 Monument is an essential stop for anyone interested in Caribbean history, African diaspora heritage, or simply understanding Guyana's national identity. Whether you're visiting during Mashramani celebrations or on a quiet morning, the monument offers a powerful connection to a struggle for freedom that resonates through the centuries.

Last updated: January 2026. For more on Guyana's history and culture, explore our Indigenous Culture page or book a guided tour.