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5234940-12509500-205740-21336000 Legacy of Slavery and Indentured LabourLinking the Past with the FutureConference on Slavery, Indentured Labour, Migration, Diaspora and Identity Formation.June 18th – 23th, 2018 , Paramaribo, Suriname Org. by IGSR, Faculty of Humanities, IMWO, in collaboration with National Archives Suriname , NAKS, Federasi fu Afrikan Srananman CUS, NSHI and VHJI. Experiments with Indentured Labour 1853 - 1866: the Portuguese from Madeira and their descendants in Suriname.Cynthia Brand FluPaperThis paper represents a preliminary study of Madeirans in Suriname to be written, to which further study must be carried out. I like to share what I have with you.The emigration from Madeira started shortly after the Abolition of Slavery in England and their Colonies in 1834. The planters could only survive by importing labour to replace the emancipated slaves. Madeira on the brink of starvation and stricken by epidemics, could provide in the need of cheap labour to the British Colonies. England and Portugal maintained a close relationship for centuries. For that reason British Guyana became the first to start the immigration of (indentured) labourers from Madeira to work on their sugar plantations in 1835. Madeiran migration to other territories began later from 1845 onwards. Suriname received a first group of Portuguese immigrants on the 15th of August 1853.Between 1853 and 1864 some 500 emigrants arrived from Madeira to Suriname. In this paper I will give a short overview of the history of Portuguese indentured labour in Suriname and its meaning for this former Dutch colony. Their history has been neglected, and in the schoolbooks and historical works on Suriname and Indentured labour they form only a footnote. The purpose of this paper is to put their history in the spotlight and to highlight the importance of the immigration of this small group of indentured labourers in Suriname. I will also explain why this experiment did not result in a permanent or larger flow of labourers to Suriname and why they have been forgotten by most of the Surinamese in our time. The reason to leave MadeiraDuring the 19th century Madeira went through hard times. Madeira had become the world’s greatest producer of suger on the world market which declined due to the competition from Brazilian sugar, which resulted into an economic crisis. Later on the wine trade superseded it. But in1852 the grape plague destroyed their grapes. With 50% of the peasants working in that branch and depending on it, famine hit the Island. Followed by epedemics, measles, yellow fever and cholera. The island became poorer and poorer.n top of all this missery the country was political unstable due to a power struggle between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party!The Madeirans were ready to leave their country in search of a better life.From this once so prosperous island 30.000 from a total of 120.000 inhabitants, left to work as contract labourer or free labourer to the “British Colonies”, Suriname, South Africa, North America and Canada between 1841–1882. (Menezes, The Portuguese of Guyana) Suriname abolition of slavery in 1863 During the second half of the 19th century both neighbouring countries next to Suriname, British Guyana in 1834 and French Guyana in1848, already abolished Slavery. Suriname was facing the same sooner or later and made desperate attemps to attrack Europeans for colonization projects with the intention to be an alternative to the decline of the plantations and the expected abolition of slavery. Suriname did not abolish slavery until 1863, 29 years after the British Colonies. Emancipated but not free yet, the former slaves had to work another 10 years on the plantations (of their choice) and workhouses (paid labour) under supervision of the State untill 1873. The intention behind this was to learn to work regularly and to lead a decent life. The ex-slaves between the age of 15-60 years had to sign a working contract to prevent them from leaving the plantations en masse, which would have caused a total collapse of the economy. During these 10 years of State’s supervision, the Gouverment had to find replacement for the slaves by the import of labourers from somewhere else. The Government was negotiating on sending Chinese contract labourers from “The Dutch East Indies”. The first of 18 Chinese arrived in Suriname in October 1853. The arrival of the Portuguese from Madeira in Suriname.By mistake a schooner “The Moravitka” on it’s way to British Guyana sailed into the Marrowijne river with 124 contract labourers on board. They were allowed to disembark, where three Plantation owners, A. Christie, Pl. Boxel (sugar) on the Suriname river, I. Lyon, Pl. Sussanasdaal (sugar) Commewijne river, L. Bixby Pl. Katwijk (coffee) Surinam river, took this oppurtunity to offer them a two year contract for field and factory work. The contract guaranteed the same quantity of work and same payment as in Demerara, free medical care and free housing. (GV 1854)Model contract with immigrants from Madeira 1853 and 1854 (CV 1855-1856 no. 18)Contract 19th august 1853The undersigned N.N. Owner of the plantation, etc.and the immigrants signed underneath, born on the island Madeira employed for agricultural work on the above mentioned plantation obliged themselves as follows:have to do the same quantity of work as in Demerary and be paid the same as in Demerary according to the relevant provisions written in the English language. In case they are not prevented by an illness they have to finish 6 tasks or works a week. If they do more work they will be paid according to the amount of their work. The immigrants not having finished their 6 works a week (without legal reason) will subject themselves to penalisation by the autorities. The immigrants have to accept the temporary accommodation in the beginning untill the Planters have beter homes available for them.Food and clothing will be provided for their own account as cheap as possible, if desired.In case of sickness they will have free medical help and medication.The planter has to pay their wages on the last day of every month, from which 1/2 will be kept for their passage fees and deposits, according to quitance issued by the supercargo of the Portuguese schooner. 1/4 for their clothing and food in case they received it. The rest 1/4 will be paid in mexican or spanish coins or colonial coins of equal value.They commit themselves to stay on the plantation for the period of two years and not allowed to leave without a written consent of the planter which has to be signed by the Attorney General straight after their arrival in town. In case the immigrants have reasons of complain towards the planter, they are allowed to do this to the authorities and if they are proven right they may leave the plantation with permission from the autorities to work somewhere else after having paid their mandatory costs and deposits. All costs are for the planter to be paid caused by disturbances or drunkenness or other causes made by the immigrants.The planter has signed to treat the immigrants well and to be of help to them to improve themselves. Those who have distinguished themselves by good behavior, to set up a shop and sell bakings of kneaded flour (Amargarias) or to start any other activity.The immigrants who have distinguished themselves by good behavior will be favored as much as possible by the planter and must be given a piece of land for their own to use for their own benefit.The immigrants are subject to laws of the country and the provisions of the police. In case the Gouvernment has new laws about immigrants in regards to the payment and working conditions both planters and immigrants will have to submit to it.The immigrants signs this contract out of their own free will without being forced to do so. Contract of mr. E. van Emden, owner of Pl. Drie Gebroeders (sugar) on the Surinam river. This contract is for the period of one year and describes the working activities of the immigrants.“The immigrants born on the Island Madeira assigned to the Plantation “Drie Gebroeders” for agricultural work according to the regulation by law for agriculture and will be paid for the following amount of work.For cutting and the transport of good firewood size 5 ft high, 5 ft wide and 3 ft long (all old dutch (Rhijnlands) measurements. The transport of the wood depends of the distance it has to be carried, from 1 gulder to 1 gulder and 25 cents a vadem.For the cutting and transport of sugarcane to the dam, 1 gulder a vadem, sizes 6 ft high, 6 ft wide all old dutch (Rhinelands) measurements. For the labourer to work as a sugarboiler at the factory from the morning untill the evening 1 gulder a day. To work on the trashaanrier and transport on the trashwagon 75 cents a day and to carry trash or cane by weak or old, or young people according to their power to work, from 30 till 60 cents a day and for all the other daywork or daytasks that have been established, 90 cents each task.If not prevented by illness they have to finish 6 tasks or works a week. If they do more work they will be paid according to the amount of their work. The contractors or their representatives are allowed to charge the immigrants by absent from work without valid reason a fine of 50 cents for each day, which money may be shared amongst the other and most dilligent immigrants. In addition, the immigrants will subject themselves to penalisation and disciplinary punishment by the Attorney General or the Gouvernor in case of thefts, fights, insults towards the slaves and such and due to absent of work without valid reasons not have finished their 6 works a week. The immigrants will have free accommodation but have to accept the temporary accommodation on arrival ready for them untill beter homes are available.Food will be sold to them at cost price, just like their clothing and their tools. The immigrants must be wearing shoes when leaving their house and have to follow strict rules of hygiene towards their body and clothing. For every couple married or living together a united account of their earnings and expences for themselves and their children will be kept. Just as for all single parents and their fatherless and motherless children. The immigrants are entitled to free medical care and will be nursed at the plantation hospital. They will be paid in Dutch coins or any other course decided by the Gouvernment, every last day of the month after deduction of food, clothing, tools and fines. The rent for labour on the plantation is for the period of one year starting the second day on arrival on the Plantation. At the end of the year, in case they have made debts spent on too much food, clothing, tools or other expenses, they have to stay and work longer untill all has been paid. The immigrants aren't allowed to leave the plantation “De Drie gebroeders” during the period of the contract, not even to go to the neighbouring plantation or grounds, without a written consent of the contractor or their representative. In case they have to go to Paramaribo, they must get the signature of the Attorney General straight after arrival. The contractor has signed to treat the immigrants well and to be of help to them to improve themselves. Those who have distinguished themselves by good behavior during the contract may have a piece of land for their own to use, for as long as they stay on the plantation “De Drie Gebroeders”. In case the immigrants have reasons of complain towards the contractor, they are allowed to do this to the authorities and if they are proven right they may leave the plantation with permission from the Gouvernment to work somewhere else. The immigrants signs this contract out of their own free will without being forced to do so. This is written in the Dutch and the Portuguese language and both of them have to be signed.” A Commission was appointed to report the health of the immigrants and the condition on the plantations.After the arrival of the schooner “Moravitka”, in 1853 the immigrants were placed on the Plantations Katwijk, Sussanasdaal and Lunenburg. On the 10th of February 1854 (Res.1854 nr. 217) a Commision, consisting of H. G. Roux, J. Frouin, C. Dumontier, was appointed by the Governor to investigate the health of the Maderians, their ability and capability to perform colonial field and factory work. (GV 1854 no. 449).Report, conclusion and advice from the Commission: (NL-HaNa, Kolonien, 1850-1900, 2.10.02, inv.nr. 348)ReportOn the sugar plantation Boxel the immigrants arrived well but some became ill afterwards and two died. On Pl. Sussanasdaal 23 Madeirans became ill but recovered, no deaths. Considering the short period they were working on the plantations at the time of inspection, without experience of working on the fields. They didn’t have much contact with the plantation slaves. On the field they prefer to work separately from them as the slaves tried to shove much of the work on the Madeirans. All together they were quiet people willing to do their job, the rapport was positive. The experience on the (coffee) plantation “Katwijk” however was a disaster. From the 65 Madeirans, 14 died within one week on arrival at the plantation. The owner realised they were not suitable for working on his (coffee) plantation and 27 were transfered to Pl. Lunenburg and 24 were left on Pl. Katwijk waiting to go to Lunenburg while housing was prepared for them. On the 15th of january 1854 they left for Lunenburg (sugar) on the river Cottica, where another 5 of them died. Suggested reason for their death was the bad treatment on board of the vessel, which journey lasted 46 days. Bad quality and not enough food to eat, bad hygiene caused by poverty. They didn’t possess enough clothing to change and stayed dressed in their rags from departure untill arrival in Suriname. Bitten by mosquitoes and wounds from scratching, left them with skin diseases. Many had a cachectic appearance. Some of them and most of the children their feet were covered by sicca’s, (sand fleas).The immigrants, weak and exhausted from their journey, were taken to the plantations. Due to their unexpected arrival no special housing had been prepared and they were kept on the attics of the stockrooms and in an old hospital, awaiting houses to be built at short notice. They were sleeping on matrasses felt with banana leaves and on hammocks. The food used at Sussanasdaal by one working person:A bunch of bananas2 pound rice2 pound salted fish2 pond of bacon, (measured in old Amsterdam weight)Next to this they have some herrings or mackerel, which purchaged by themselves.These articles were sold to hem at cost price The people who died on the Pl. Katwijk were: 4 women from the age of 20 - 35 5 men from the age of 24 – 342 boys of 12 years old, 3 girls, one 7 years and two 8 years old The five whom died in january after been transfered to Lunenburg were:1 man 45 – 50 years old, sick and swollen legs1 woman 30-40 years old, high fever.2 boys, of 14 and 10 years old.emaciated and high fever. 1 baby 7 months old and sick on arrival.The rapport concludes they were already ill at arrival, therefore Pl. Lunenburg was not to be blamed. Conclusion of the Commission: (NL-HaNa, Kolonien, 1850-1900, 2.10.02, inv.nr. 348)“No wonder their condition was in a such a bad state. The hot climate they weren’t used to and exposed to during their work on the fields. Taken all that in consideration their tragic death was bound to occur.” Apart from the negative experience on the coffee plantation, the Commission thought the Maderians suitable to do “under strict guidence” work on the fields and factories. During the two years of contract, the plantation owners were responsable for the labourers which was financially hard on them. A 2 year contract was considered too short to gain profit from their work, much time was spent on acclimatization and teaching skills to do their jobs.AdviceThe contract should be extended from 2 to 3 years. To encourage the immigration of labourers the Gouvernment should render facilities to grant premiums and fixed rules.The Commission was in favor of the Madeirans and agreed on the import of more immigrants from Madeira. They thought this to be the oportunity and solution for both countries to solve their economic and labour problems and for Madeira the only way to survive their poverty stricken country.From the Minister of Colonial affairs to the Governor of Suriname 1857 (KV. 1857, 464/104) Advice on the immigrants from Madeira to be reported positive. “Not all of the tenants are equally in favor. They are considered to be unclean, quarrelsome, intolerant to each other. They should be treated more severely. Some do more than the aquired amount of tasks. Driven by their greed for money they don't take enough care of themselves. In cutting sugarcane, banana's and firewood they are exellent and more skilled then the negroes. On other tasks they don't achieve well. This will improve in case there are more immigrants. They don't get allong with the negroes and don't want to work together with them. In spite of this one is still in favor for the import of more Madeirans. Schooner Libania & Adelaida 1854After the arrival of schooner Libania & Adelaida in 1854 another 155 Madeirans arrived and more provisions were made to the import of immigrants from Madeira. The conditions set for the importation of immigrants (resolutie. 24-9-1856 nr. 1217)Adults from the age of 15 untill 55 years old and healthy, fl. 75,-- a headChildren from 7-15 years old, fl 37,00 a headChildren less than 7 years old, nothing. Not permitted unless being part of a family, adults over the age of 55 and children under the age of 7. The immigrant must be disembarked within 3 days, if not they will be charged fl. 1,-- by day a person. (2.10.02 inv. 6823) Min. Kol. 12-11-1856letter B no. 8/274To the Gen. Majoor Gouverneur Kol. SurinameFormer Gouvernor van Schmidt auf Altenstadt was authorized to start a trial with both Chinese and Maderians to be transported to Surinam against the restitution of half of the costs for the Planters. To find out if it is worth while and cheaper to charter a ship to transport the Maderians to Suriname and how far the shipping companies in Amsterdam would be inclined ships intended for Suriname to sail via Madeira to embark and transport from there with the intervention of the Dutch Vice Consul to recruit Portuguese labourers. From the response from the shipping companies it appears that several have declared themselves ready with retroactive effect and against payment of the cost without freight charge to enter Madeira with their ships and to transfer the immigrants to Suriname. A contract should be made between the Department of Colonies and the shipping companies with the main condition all expences for the immigrants made by the shipping companies to be paid by the Gouvernment. Without any compensation for the freight other than 60/70 cents a day for the cost of every immigrant on board of the ship. The Vice-Consul in Madeira should be informed immediately about every shipping to have the immigrants embark within 3 days. On arrival in Suriname the immigrants will be handed over to you by the captains of the vessels. Half of the costs will be paid by the Gouvernment and the other half by the Planters. Under your supervision the immigrants will be rented by private Planters. After their period of contract has ended the immigrants if desired will be sent home at the expense of the Government.To the investigation if labourers from the Azorian and the Canary Islands were willing and suitable to be transported to Suriname. The answer from the Dutch Vice Consul in San Miquel to this was so unfavorable that it will not be used. Fereyra Fran?a was permitted to import immigrants from Madeira by the GovernmentImm.dep. No 615/v procureur generaal no.2164 adm. Fin. no. 75827-9-1856 Mr. E. van Emden chairman of the Planters meeting about the proposal of Fereyra Fran?a to import labourers from Madeira to Suriname. A list of 22 plantation owners undersigned together for 381 labourers from Madeira and 274 from Cape Verde Island to be transported to Suriname to work on their plantation.From the 22 planters, 12 prefered Maderians only, 6 signed for both Maderians and Cape Verdians and 4 prefered Cape Verdians only. With permission from the Government and some Plantation owners, Francisco Fereira Fran?a from British Guyana (gouv.res 27-09-1856) was given permission to transport 600 immigrants from Madeira, The Azors and The Cape Verde Islands to Suriname. A hopeful beginning to the import of labourers from Madeira on a regular scale. Some months later Mr. E. van Emden received alarming letters from various Planters about Francisco Fereira Fran?a. 3-2-1857/n.234Mr. J. De Veer Tyndall writes he has heard mr. Fereyra Fran?a was still in Demerara and he was sent to Suriname for bussiness by his superiors. Whom were not pleased with his engagement to our Gouvernment to get labourers from Madeira. Therefore he won't continue building the houses for the immigrants, untill further notice.24-1-1857/n.167To the Gouvernment secretary (E. Van Emden)Mr. Ruhman writes to the Gouvernements secretary the following letter saying he signed in for 60 immigrants to work on the plantations Petersburg, Waterland and Leyendorp but due to bad weather the building on Leyendorp hasn't completed and no immigrants can be placed on that plantation at the moment. But 40 immigrants can be placed at plantation Waterland. On Petersburg the hospital can be used temporary for housing the immigrants. On Plantation Halle in Saxen the coffee shed can be used. On the Plantation Hamptoncourt in Nickery houses for the immigrants are being built and will be ready in two months. Just in case mr. Fereyra Fran?a will import immigrants after all, he is still interested.Mr. Ruhman reveived a message from mr. Rose and mr. Duff from Demerara stating mr. Fereyra de Fran?a wasn't an independent person and his engagement in Suriname has been rejected by his superiors and he was fired. He has no means nor money to fulfill the engagement on his own account.Signed by W.E. RuhmanDemerary 5th of july 1857Letter from mr. Ron Duff to Van EmdenWe have to acknowledge recent of your communication of 5th enclosing a letter of Fereyra Fran?a which has been forwarded to him. In reply to your enquiries about Freyra Fran?a we beg to state for the information of his excellency the Gouvernor that Fereyra Fran?a is a person of no means whatever and quite unable to fulfill his engagement to import into Suriname any immigrants from Madeira and other Islands, which engagements were made by a respectable Portuguese who tried to give mr Fran?a some employment by sending him to Surinam solely for the purchage of old metals with a small amount of money to the extent of 1000 dollar, which he didn't succeed. Mr Fereyra Fran?a is now in Georgetown we believe out of employment. Ron Duff12 february 1857 Fereyra de Fran?a sents a letter to E. Van EmdenSir,In reply to your letter of 5th, I have to state that it will be quite impossible for me to fulfill my engagement refering immigration to that Colony “The Calera” having for the last six months prevailed at Madeira and I am very well informed from the immigration agent there that the people prefer going to Brasil rather than coming to any of the West Indies Islands.Thomas Green (Plantation Owner) In November 1857 Thomas Green adviced Joao de Freitas Martins from Madeira to import under the same conditions as Fereyra Fran?a, labourers from Madeira, The Azors and The Cape Verde Islands, to Suriname.Gouv. Van Suriname aan de Min. v. Kolonien. (gouv.res 27-09-1856 no 1217) no. 1490/334.)The Gouvernment was relieved somebody else was found to import immigrants from Madeira and Joao de Freitas Martins (gouv.res (19-11-1857 no. 1490/334) was given permission under the same conditions as Fereyra Fran?a to transport 600 immigrants from Madeira, The Azors and The Cape Verde islands. But again it didn't work out and nothing was ever heard from Joao de Freitas Martins!From 1856 until 1859 no emigrants were allowed to leave Madeira due to the outbreak of Cholera. All ships arriving Suriname from that direction had to quarantine for 40 days.Not until 1863 when facilities were made towards plantation owners to import labourers on their own account or for those of third parties (19-3-1862/1/GB N3), another 36 Madeirans arrived, on consignment of Thomas Green a Plantation owner. By royal decree (K.B. 19/5/1864 no.2) premiums were available for the import of immigrants from Madeira, The Azors and The Cape Verde islands. As a result of these broad provisions, 34 Madeirans arrived on 17-8-1864 and 140 more on 24-11 1864, all of them on consingment of Thomas Green. The Suriname Immigration Company was found and located in Amsterdam.In spite of all improvements and better conditions, immigration from Madeira came to an end.An estimated total of 500 immigrants from Madeira arrived to Suriname from 1853 – 1864, 60% male, 20% female and 20% children. Life was hard on the plantations and many of died. Between 1863 – 1864, half of the 211 died within 3 years. Children were at great risk either to die or to loose their parents and had to be taken into the care of the Catholic orphanage.In the case of: Maria Caspar de Jesus (dec.1856) and her husband John Caspar (dec.1855), leaving behind their four children Maria 15, Manuel 7, Francisca 4 and John 6 months old. Mr. Haase the owner of Plantation Killenstein, wanted to take care of them, if compensated. For each child he received fl. 3,-- montly. Maria married three times and became three times a widow. She died 30-10-1888 at the age of 45. John married but died in 1890 as a widower. (2.10.02 inv. 6823). According to the marriage certificate (Archivo Regional da Madeira) of the parents this family came from Estreito de Camara de Lobos, Madeira (Livr.nr./351 folha/52 casamentos)In the case of: Valentim Rodrigues and his wife Maria Augusta da Silva (three months pregnant) during the journey from Madeira to Suriname in 1863 and their children, Domingos 11, Leopoldina 10, Leopold 4 and Isabella 4 months old. In Suriname that same year, twin boys were born, but died 1 and 2 months old. Their mother probably died giving birth to them. The following year 1864 their father died. The children were sent to the Catholic orphanage.(NL-HaNa, Weeskamer (Orphans Chamber) 1.05.11.13 inv. 22.04). According to the church baptistsrecords (Archivo Regional da Madeira parochia San Pedro),Valentim and his wife Maria da Silva came from Funchal, Madeira From the life of the Maderian (contract) labourers little is known, many of them were illiterate, no letters were found, no pictures were made or kept from them. Apart from Domingos Rodrigues, he’s an exception and will never be forgotten as he puts an advert in the newspaper of 1903 at his 51st birthday and in honour of the 40 years he is living in Suriname. He writes about his life saying he was born in 1852 in Madeira and came to Suriname at the age of 11. He chose to become a farmer and later on a policeman for 7 ? years.. But went back to farming and 18 years ago he bought his own land and his own farm. He’s thankfull for all he achieved and is happy to live in Suriname, the country he learnt to love. He considered himself blessed to be the father of 11 children. On two more occasions he put an advert in the newspaper in 1913,1915 and in 1919 the newspaper writes about him. There is this picture of himself at the age of 50 a proud and confident man looks into the camera, cherished by many of his offspring. He had many sons whom like their father worked as a policeman, but chose to become a farmer like he did. He died in 1930, at the age of 78. His offspring counts 690 people over 6 generation and have many different appearences, from native Indian, Hindustani, Boeroe, Dutch. They live in many countries like Suriname, the USA, Holland and Australia. (Sonja Rodrigues)In the case of Maria Louisa Francisca Gomes Serrao born in Madeira (24-9-1839) came from Madeira to Suriname in 1863 with her husband Manuel Francisco Mendonca, (born in 1838) and their 3 year old daughter. They were labourers on “ Pl. Groot Chattillon” where her husband died in 1866, leaving her with her daughter behind. She met a Dutch policeman Johannes Buzing, stationed in Suriname on the plantation she worked, married him in 1868. The couple and Maria Louisa’s daughter from her first marriage left Suriname for Holland, where she lived the rest of her live and died in 1917 at the age of 77. She had 6 more children born in this marriage. From this couple a picture was taken during their life in Holland. Maria Louisa Gomes Serrao and her husband Manuel Francisco Mendonca and their child came from Bonaventura, Madeira. (Henk buzing)Catholic church The Catholic mission started soon after the arrival of the Portuguese labourers, whom were all of Roman Catholic religion, to take care of them. Their pastoral care was given to them in the Portuguese language. A church was built specially for them in Paramaribo, “The Saint Antonius Church”, called after Saint Antonius from Padua, a Portuguese Saint born in Lissabon, for their patron saint. The masses were held in the Portuguese language. The church was led by the priests from the Rosa Church which fell under their parish. In 1922 the Antonius church was closed down, because the Portuguese community were integrated enough and special provisions in the Portuguese language wasn’t longer needed. The statue of Saint Antonius specially brought from Madeira, was moved to the Rosa Church (RK Bisdom Eerw. Esteban Kross) OrphansIn 1856 poor orphans relied on an allowance for their care by the Gouvernement, paid for them under the supervision of the Orphans Chamber a department especially for the registration of all Orphans, their heritage, the application for alimentation from the Gouvernement and their placement under the care of the churches they belonged to. The Catholic church used to place them in care of private people but from 1856 on at the care of “The sisters from Roozendaal”. In 1861 the boys were separated from the girls. As a rule the girls had to stay at the Orphanage till the age of 23. They received lessons in reading, writing and arithmetic and some of them even French language lessons. (GB 1856, GR 31/12/1856 no. 1668)In 1868 there were 43 madeirans in the colony. In 1869 one of them died, from 39 their contract had expired and 3 of them left with the consent of both parties. There are no more contract labourers from Madeira left on the plantations. Some immigrants were working without a contract on the plantations. From 1853 -1874 more than 2500 Chinese workers were brought to Suriname. In 1869 the British Gouvernment closed the port of embarkation Hong Kong for all other countries apart of their own colonies. China totally forbade the immigration under contract by their subjects. This made an end to the import of chinese contract labour in Suriname. In 1858, 500 West Indian immigrants, mainly from Barbados were brought to Suriname, between 1863-1872 a total of 2382. It became impossible to satisfy the large demand of labourers by the import on private account which in the end didn’t work out . In addition to this the sugar export declined by 50% and many plantations were abandoned. This together led towards the end of the import of labourers from Madeira. Portuguese (labourers) after their life and work on the plantations.After the Portuguese (contact) labour had ended, the Portuguese were still arriving in Suriname but as free immigrants. The official way by applying immigration papers and buying their ticket, but also illegally as stowaway. Mostly adventurous young men took their chance and smuggled on a ship, to escape the military service from Portugal. At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century a new group of Madeirans from British Guyana, some of them “second generation” left British Guyana to live and work in Suriname. Because of their financial successes the Portuguese in British Guyana there were serious riots carried out by decendents of the African decendants in British Guyana. Many Guyanese Portuguese left the country for The United States, Great Britain and other countries. The group of Guyanese Portuguese in Suriname probably left for the same reason and to expand their business opportunities. They were often well educated and started on a small scale as interpreneurs, shopkeeper or working in commerce.The labourers whom stayed in Suriname after the end of their contract period, had to find other means to provide for themselves. Some of them found a job on an other Plantation without a contract. But other more ambitious started petty shops on the Plantations, selling groceries. To do so there were some steps to be taken first. To buy a shop or property one had to be a free person and become a citizin of Suriname first and be registered in the Civil Register (regulation on citizinship, (gouvernementsblad 25 july, no, 13,14,15). Foreigners were able to become a citizin as well, they had to prove to be at least 1 year and 6 weeks in Suriname, their date of arrival and in the possession of a passport. They also had to apply to the Governor, accompanied by documentary evidence that they were able to provide for themselves, the admission of a place to live together with documents of their place of birth and the last place they lived prior to their arrival in Suriname. Every citizin wanting to start a shop or bussiness or to practice an independent profession had to pay “Patent tax” on a annuel base which is registered in the “Patent Register”. The Patent Register (a colonial register of licensed business) a forerunner of the Chambers of Commerce (didn’t exist untill 1910). Registered are the name of the person, the profession, shop or bussiness, the location and the amount of taxs for the person to pay. To be registered, one had to apply for a licence to the authorities first. After approval of the licence, one had to pay on a yearly base “taxes’ for the so called “Patent” at the Colonial receiver.How did they live after (contact) labour endedNuinel Martins was born in Madeira in 1851- 1914. He arrived in Suriname on the bark Trez Amigoes (11 november1864) only 13 years old to work as a contract labourer. He worked in the factory of Plantation Alliance, a sugar plantation in the district Commewijne, owned by Hugh Wright. His social and economic progress after the end of his contract period was followed by the use of different sources. He married Victoria Schoonheid a local woman on 24-2-1898 at the age of 47 and the father of their 3 children. In his marriage certificate, was noted he didn’t know who his parents were! In 1877 he went into retail and started a shop on the Plantations, selling groceries and baking bread until 1900. From 1900 onwards he moved to Paramaribo and went into whole sale, owned 4 shops selling liquor on 4 different locations. His name was on the voterslist in1898 to elect the members of the colonial states, he did well for himself.He was listed in the Patent register during the following years on different locations1877shopkeeper/groceries/bakery Pl. Sint Barbara1898 shopkeeper/groceries retail1900 – 1904wholesale/liquor?P'bo Keizerstraatwholesale/liquor?P'bo Steenbakkersgrachtliquor? shopP'bo Wagewegstraatliquor? shopP'bo JoodenbreestraatSchips from Madeira 1853 – 1864, date of arrival, amount of labourors and the plantations they were sent to workName of ?boatArrivelImm.Plantation/ product/ name and locationhireddiedvariousMoravitka, schooner?15-8-1853124Pl. Boxel (sugar) boven Suriname river22????Pl. Susannasdaal (sugar) beneden Surinam 23????Pl. Katwijk (coffee) beneden Commewijne 651427 trans to???Pl. Lunenburg (sugar) boven Cottica river275from KatwijkLibania & Adelaida 12-6-1854155Pl. Alsimo (coffe, coton) Commewijne river13????Pl. Drie gebroeders (sugar) Suriname river15????Pl. Hamburg (sugar) Cottica,?33????Pl. Houttuinen (sugar) Suriname river19????Pl. Leonsberg (coffe) Suriname river?7????Pl. Lustrijk (coffee) Commewijne?8????Pl. Maagdenburg (sugar) Suriname river16????Pl. Sardam (sugar) Cottica river9????Pl. Sussanasdaal (sugar) Suriname river11????Pl. Weltevreden (coffee) Commewijne24??Rothsay21-12-186352Pl. Groot Chatillon (sugar) Suriname river12????Pl. Houttuinen (sugar) Sugar) Suriname river33?????Pl. Boxel (sugar) boven Suriname river7??Trez Amigoes (Bark) 11-11-1864140?Pl. Het Vertrouwen (sugar) Commewijne32?????Pl.Guineesche Vriendschap (sugar) Surinam 32?????Pl. St. Barbara (sugar) Suriname river23?????Pl. Nieuw Levant (coffee) Cottica river12?????Pl. Elisabethshoop (coffee) Commewijne?8?????Pl. Johannisburg (Coffee) Commewijne8????Pl.Voorburg (sugar) Commewijne6????Private individuals.11??Mathilde (Brik)?15-8-186448?Pl. Het Vertrouwen (suiker) Commewijne8??????Pl. Drie gebroeders.(suiker) Surinam river37??Patentregister 1865????Total?amount?of?people?23?The?Plantation? 11?Groceries?(Vettewarier)?retail11??Shopkeepers (Winkeliers)?6??Shopkeepers/Groceries retail?5??Carpenters??2??1?with?4 helpers???1?with?6 helpers???Patentregister 1877???Total?amount?of?people?21?Plantation? 10?Shopkeepers/Groceries?retail17??Shopkeerpers/Groceriers/Breadbakers?4??Women: shopkeeper/groceries?2??Patentregister 1880???Total?amount?of?people?18?Plantations? 3?Shopkeeper/groceries?retail13?Paramaribo? 1?Shopkeeper/cakebaker?1??Breadbaker?1??Merchant/shopkeeper?1??Billiard?holder/shopkeeper?1??Women?5??Shopkeeper/groceries?retail4??Billiardholder/shopkeeper/groceries/liquor??1??Patentregister 1898???Total?amount?of?people?33?Plantations?5?Shopkeeper/groceries/liquor?20??Shopkeeper/groceries?retail3??Dog cart/donkey?scart?3??Salesman/saleslady?3??Huckster?1??Pigsbutcher?2??Company?3??Women?6??Shopkeeper/groceries?retail1??Shopkeeper/groceries/liquor?3??Wholesale, sales lady?1??Patentregister 1900 – 1904???Total?amount?of?people?102?Plantation? 2?Spirit shop?94??Wholesale/liquor??11??Women/liquor??12??Company?13??Madeirans listed to practise a profession or owned a shop after the end of their (contract) labour, during the years 1865, 1877, 1880, 1898 1900-1904.This reveals to us how these immigrants survived economically. Census made in 1921.Using the census of 1921 to find out how many Portuguese, or persons from portuguese origin with a portuguese familyname were living in Paramaribo mainly during that year.To subdivide all Portuguese names and their nationality by “Portuguese” nationality (some born in Madeira), “British” nationality (Portuguese immigrants or 2nd generation born in British Guyana) and “Dutch” nationality (contract) immigrants and their offspring). In the census of 1921 a total of 500 persons of Portuguese heritage lived in Paramaribo.Portuguese nationalty 216Britisch 127Dutch 107 Onknown 50Born in Madeira 45Born in Madeira 0born in Madeira 4Suriname - British Guyana The immigration to British Guyana started after the abolition of slavery in Great Britten and their colonies in 1834. 84.000 Slaves became their freedom and the plantation owners desperately needed (indentured) labour to work on their plantation. The first labourers arrived from Madeira on the 5th of may 1835 in British Guyana to work on the sugar plantations. With the help of agents and shipcaptains the immigrants were brought to British Guyana and assigned as agricultural labourers, under a 5 year contract. Commissioners visited the plantation to report their conditions. During the early years the Madeirans had been subject to sickness and death. To compare Suriname with British Guyana in their early years, the situation was almost similar. Bad housing, much sickness and death amongst the immigrants on the Plantations. In both cases a report was made and not all reports were positive. Despite all of that they were in favor of the labourers from Madeira and wanted to import more. Suriname became involved with the arrival of Madeirans by accident without a chance to prepare good housing but offered them the same conditions as British Guyana. Suriname, a two year contract in 1853 and in 1854 a three year contract was given. British Guyana a 5 year contract. Suriname didn’t have agents on a regular basis to negotiate for labourers like British Guyana whom received 30 dollars for each Madeiran (under the Immigration ordinance) for passage money and maintenance. In Suriname the import had to be arranged by the Plantation owners. British Guyana a total of 30.000 Portuguese immigrants were imported. Suriname officially 500. In both countries they were placed on the Plantations for field and factory work.In both countries after the end of their contractperiod, they shift from agricultural labourers to shopkeepers. a. In Suriname this happened after 1865. b. In Britisch Guyana after 1840.Portuguese from Guyana in SurinameJosé Rodrigues 1851 –1937?Madeira-Guyana-SurinameA very talented and extraordinary person.He came to Suriname via Guyana in 1875 with his wife and children. He was a person of many interests and of many professions. Apart from being consul of Portugal, Venezuela and Brasil, he was a sworn translator and interpretor in the Portuguese and Spanish language. He was a merchant, industrial and commercial agent. He owned two shops, one of them a ritual butchershop for the Israelites. Socially active as a member of the committee of regents of Charity Institution “Boniface”. Next to that he loved music and was a keen cello player which give him the name “the unforgettable Rodrigues” and performed in many concerts. When a school of music was found (1st july 1908) he became the director and also gave music lessons. Being a Portuguese from Madeira himself the situation of the Maderian labourers got his interest and in 1883 a new and final attempt was made when José Rodrigues a Portuguese bussinessman applied for a deed of recognition and a permission to asign immigrants from Madeira on his own account or for those of third parties. This was honored by the Gouvernment. He put an advert in the Surinaamse Courant (newspaper) to get people interested in the import of labourers from Madeira to be brought to Suriname again. Already 15 plantation owners signed for 200 immigrants to be imported. (Min kol. 2.0.02 inv. 6960)The following newspaper clipping (Surinaamse Courant) shows his actions towards the import of Labourers from Madeira. 15 januari 1883The meeting was called together to discuss his circular from the 30th of december about the immigration from Madeira. Rodrigues suggests to the planters to recrute labourers from Madeira on almost the same condition as for the British-Indian koelis are recruted, with the exception that the Madeirans won’t be given the right to a free return passage at the expiration of their contract. At the order of labourers the customer has to pay fl. 50,-- straight away for every immigrant at the Surinaamse Bank, while at arrival and fl. 100,-- on top of that has to be paid. After the discussion of this and other points mentioned in the circular. The members of the Commission were chosen: C.D. Brakke, Dr. M.C. de Leeuw and M.S. van Praag. About 200 immigrants were registered by the people present. It was stated that through this immigration strong and powerful labourers will populate the plantations. The meeting was closed with the words we cann’t enough appreciate the efforts of mr Rodrigues and hope the amount of 3 or 400 immigrants will be obtained and the restrictions mentioned to this point are confirmed by action.17 januari 1884“Concept-contract made by the Commission in consultation with the enterpreneur José Rodrigues. The contract was offered to the attendees (most of them interested), for approval. Apart of some necessary changes and attachments it was approved of. The contract has to be subjected by a lawyer.The conditions are mainly:For adult labourors 15 – 40 years the price will bef l. 150,--For minor labourors aged 11 – 15 years fl. 75,--Children under the age of 11 nothing will be chargedOn arrival in the colony the immigrant has to undergo a medical eximinationIn case of sickness at the cost of mr. Rodrigues nursed in The military hospital, when fully recovered and approved of handed over to the planter. On every order the amount of 25% female cannot be transcended. The amount of workingdays are 300 just as the amount of workingtasks. For a contract of 5 years 1500 . The immigrant will be free, in case he is fysically capable, to finish his working tasks within a shorter period, but incase he has finished less then 1500 tasks after 5 years he has to make it up. Sickdays and public holydays count on workingdays.An adult labourer receives for one workingtask fl. 0,80, a woman fl. 0,60 , a minor emigrant, according the workingtask on delivered work. Reasonable and good conditions regarded for food, housing and nursing etc.One provision based on practice has been added, The immigrants should show once a month their working booklet to the master, in order to check the notes that are contained to avoid differences of opinion. After approval of these conditions those interested were invited to commit for the amount of immigrants they wanted. The amount at that time and probably still will be registered was 230 which mr. Rodrigues changed into 250 or more if ordered. We fully agree with this and look forward to the arrival of the immigrants whom, according to mr. Rodrigues, can be expected in the month of August.”2 november 1884 De West-Indier: dagblad toegewijd aan de belangen van Nederlands Guyana“We have been informed from reliable sources, the proposed immigration from Madeira will not be implemented. The Portuguese Gouvernement doesn’t aprove of the plans of mr. Rodrigues to endorse his subjects to work here. In consideration of the sugarcrisis, the cancelation of immigration from Madeira will not affect Suriname, it remains very regrettable.”After the immigration of (contract) labourers from Madeira another group from British Guyana arrived The Portuguese from Madeira still entered Suriname as free immigrants. legally and illegally. Towards the end of the 19th century a new group of Maderians from British Guyana arrived in Suriname, as free immigrants, better educated and often born in British Guyana to work in the trade. Two Portuguese Departmentstores Bettencourt and Fogarty opened a branche in Paramaribo, run completely by Portuguese staff from Demerara. More shops like Madeira Bazaar ( mr. Ant. Joao Rodrigues), at de Klipstenenstraat, untill 1963) the shops called Suriname Bazaar (mr. Vasconcellos on the Waterkant, Zwartenhovenbrugstraat/Keizerstraat en Zwartenhovenbrugstraat /Prinsenstraat). Smaller shops and winestores like The people’s grocery’s from mr. A.P. de Freitas on the Waterkant were owned by Portuguese from British Guyana. Bettencourt and Fogarty both had their own cricketteam and they played regularly matches together. In 1914 the following players where part of a team: Captain F.J. Rodrigues, J. de Freitas, J. Nobrega, J. Rodrigues, J. Ramos, P. Mattos, C.A. Gonsalves. (Surinaamsche Almanak 1911/Surinaamsche Courant 1914).The Portuguese from Madeira as a minority group in Suriname didn’t keep the identity of their origin for long. By racial intermariages they ended up into the melting pot of Surinam people. Just their family names as a rereminder of their Portuguese heritage. During 1853 -1939 a total of 74.000 contract labourers were brought to Suriname:1% Madeirans, 3% Chinese, 4% West Indians, British Indians, 44% Dutch East Indian/Java. ReferencesLiterature:Joop Vernooy: De regenboog is in ons huis; kleurrijke geschiedenis van de RK kerk in Suriname.Fr. A.C. Schalken: “Historische foto’s van de R.K. Gemeente in Suriname”Mary Noel Menezes R.S.M “The Portuguese of Guyana: “A Study in Culture and Conflict”Archival SourcesVolkstelling (census) Suriname 1921NL-HaNa, Weeskamer (Orphans Chamber) 1.05.11.13 inv. 22.04NL-NA, CBB overlijdens/deaths ParamariboArchivo Regional da Madeira, casamentos/baptismosKoloniaal Nieuws en Advertentieblad 11-03-1919Thanks to Sonja Rodrigues, great-granddaughter of Domingoes RodriguesThanks to Mieke Rimmer, great-granddaughter of Jose RodriguesThanks to Henk Buzing, great-grandson of Maria Louisa Gomes Serrao and her husband Johannes BuzingThanks to Eerw. Esteban Kross, RK Bisdom ................
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