UCL-Institute of the Americas invites members of the public to this talk, to be delivered by Prof Selwyn Cudjoe.

'William Burnley, the biggest slave owner in Trinidad, did everything in his power to prevent the emancipation of enslaved Africans in his country. When slavery ended he was convinced that only those Africans who had "hard and tyrannical masters" were likely to benefit from emancipation. The rest, he opined, were "too ignorant to understand the real position in which they are placed." This paper examines Burnley's participation in slavery, his attemps to prevent legislation to move Africans from slavery to apprenticeship, his subtefuges to keep Africans enslaved under another form, and his plans to recruit laborers from outside the country to undercut the gains of Africans.'

Come and join Prof Cudjoe as he discusses Burnley's attempts to shape society in his own image and likeness. Attendance is free of charge but registration is required.