Roxborough -Belmanna Riots
Apart from wars, the island of Tobago has had its fair share of riots and insurrections. Among them were the Belmanna Riots of 1876.
Unrest erupted on a cocoa estate at Roxborough when disgruntled workers protesting bad working conditions were attacked by the police. The manager of the estate was attacked, chased into the high woods and never seen again. The estate house was burnt down. As disorder spread, the five policemen in the village led by Corporal Belmanna reacted. A scuffle ensued between the police and rioters, and allegedly, a civilian, Mary Jane Thomas was shot and killed. The mob went berserk and the police fled, barricading themselves in the station. Surrounding the building, the mob threatened to burn it down if Belmanna was not handed over. Corporal Reid lowered himself through some gaps in the floorboards and hid himself under the station. A frantic message was dispatched by boat to Barbados, where the Royal Navy maintained a fleet of warships. Meanwhile, back in Roxborough, Belmanna had been seized by the insurrectionists. He was beaten badly and mutilated. A woman, called Ti Piggi (because of her porcine appearance) was said to have gouged out Belmanna’s eyes and then stabbed him fatally. The corpse was then set alight. Reid was found in hiding, dragged out and thrashed. The other four policemen in the station were also assaulted, stripped and humiliated. |
For a week, the rioters held sway, until a warship came into sight. Using tact, its captain sent a boat ashore with an emissary who thanked the rioters for “keeping the peace” and not destroying public property. He invited the gang aboard to be decorated for their “service.” The rioters fell for the ploy and boarded by the dozen.
When the captain was satisfied that the ship could hold no more, the insurrectionists were clapped in irons and taken to Scarborough to stand trial. The heritage portrayal at Roxborough includes a re-enactment of the riots that took place in 1876. There is also a seafood festival where visitors can enjoy various seafood dishes. The day ends with a stage production of dances, folk songs and a play. The story line is usually linked to the personal lives of individuals involved in the 1876 riots. |