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Transcript

Burma Road

Riot

Prepared By: Lavonte Ferguson

Date: May 10, 2020

Grade: 10

Impact Bahamians

The Significance

The events of the Burma Road Riots came as a result of the agitation by natives wanting equal pay for equal work, regardless of color or nationality. Two rioters were killed by British troops, more than 40 people injured and over a hundred arrested, but those unprecedented events also led too long overdue reforms. The events in Bahamian history that played a significant role in shaping the modern Bahamas we experience today was what lead up to emanating from Majority Rule.

The key person in this riot was Randol Fawkes, a Bahamian nationalist and labor leader who died in 2000 was the most popular black politician of this time, and in 1958 he was charged with treason for making a speech at Windsor Park. Later on, to be acquitted, he continued his union activities and helped tip the balance in the favor of PLP after the 1967 general election. It is clear that from the first stirrings of political activity in the country, labor has been an integral part of the struggle.

The Leader

The events of the Burma Road Riots came as a result of the agitation by locals wanting equal pay for equal work, regardless of color or nationality. Two rioters were killed by British troops, more than 40 people injured and over a hundred arrested; those unprecedented events also led to long-overdue reforms. The events in Bahamian history that played a significant role in shaping the modern-day Bahamas.Because of the demoralizing lack of employment that existed at the time, when the news about this employment opportunity was made public, many men from the outlying Bahamian islands flocked to New Providence joining the already large labor pool that looked forward to the high wages that such foreign projects historically brought. The construction project promised a relative bonanza for the local unemployed, a chance to sell their labor for something like the rates they knew were normal on the mainland. Unfortunately, their hopes of high wages were shattered since they were paid the minimum wage of four (4) shillings a day which was established by the House of Assembly six years before in 1936. Not only were the wages offered lower than expected, but there was also an inequity of pay between the American and Bahamian laborers employed at the same jobs.

How did it affect generations

It is my belief that this historical event affected the older generations because they were able to become financially stable and to start a better life not just for them but their kids and to give them a better life. This was the start of them addressing inequalities that existed at that time.

How have we Developed

as a nation?

As a nation since the Burma Road Riot, Bahamians for the most part enjoy equal rights and pay across the board no matter the color of skin. The Burma Road riot forced the country to evolve as the majority took a stand against the Leaders who were in the minority. Today's union are what they are today because of the foundation that the Burma Road Riot laid. Negotiations while tense are peaceful for the most part. Because of the events of the Burma Road Riot came as a result of the agitation by laborers for equal pay for equal work, regardless of color or nationality. In the modern-day Bahamas, it doesn’t matter about your race or nationally once you have a good education and an all sensible person.

In terms of regression, the growth has outpaced any backwards steps, but there are still times Investors prefer to use foregin labor instead of local labor.

What does

it mean to

me?

As a young Bahamian, I feel like if the Burma Road Riot had never happened we would still possibly be in certaina positions where our talents are taken advantage of and underpaid. I also believe because of the Burma Road Riot we have better working conditions and ask that result black people can workplaces that they couldn’t work before. It also changed politics encouraging the majority to protest inequality. So the riot basically laid the foundation for the major shifts that cames years later.

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