In 1841, the brigantine Trouvadore sailed under Spanish papers from Africa toward Cuba with an illegal cargo of 193 Africans who were to be enslaved on sugar plantations. Because slavery was illegal in the British Empire, the British Navy would have captured the vessel if it had encountered her, but after a month at sea the Trouvadore wrecked off the Caicos Bank. One of the first locals at the scene, Mr. Stevenson, was offered a bribe by the Spanish captain to take the crew and slaves to Cuba, but he delayed the captain so authorities from Grand Turk could send two ships and 17 soldiers to collect the survivors. The crew was imprisoned in Grand Turk, and the Africans were temporarily held in the crowded prison. After considering their options, local authorities decided to free the Africans into the local community. Of the 192 surviving Africans, 168 were released onto Grand Turk and Salt Cay, while it is thought that the remaining 24 may have been located on Middle Caicos or South Caicos. The church was to teach them to speak English and to be Christians, and it is thought that most Turks Islanders today are partly descended from these freed Africans who integrated into local society.

Photo: Mike Stroud

Photo: Mike Stroud