The National Parks Authority of Antigua and Barbuda is commemorating the 8th of March Project through a series of youth-focused activities aimed at preserving and sharing a long-overlooked chapter of the nation's history. According to Antigua Observer, the initiative centres on the events of March 8, 1744, when eight enslaved men lost their lives within the Antigua Naval Dockyard.
The eight men — Billy, London, James Soe, Caramantee Quamano, Dick, Joe, Scipio, and Johnno — were among the countless African enslaved and free labourers and soldiers whose contributions shaped the dockyard and the broader colonial landscape of Antigua. Their story remained buried in historical archives for many years, largely unknown to the public.
The project seeks to change that. By bringing this history to younger generations, the National Parks Authority is working to ensure that the identities and sacrifices of these men are not forgotten. As reported by Antigua Observer, the theme guiding the commemorative effort reflects the belief that "Knowledge of Self is Generational Wealth" — a message intended to resonate deeply with Antiguan youth.
The activities form part of a broader commitment to acknowledging the full scope of African heritage within the nation's historical sites, recognising that the stories of enslaved and free African people are integral to understanding Antigua and Barbuda's past and identity.
