What labor source was used in the construction of Pedro St. James?

The construction of Pedro St. James, a significant historical site in the Cayman Islands, primarily utilized slave labor. During the time of its construction in the late 18th century, the region was heavily reliant on enslaved individuals to perform labor-intensive tasks. Slave labor was commonly employed in various building projects throughout the Caribbean, including in the Cayman Islands, where economic activities were largely dominated by plantation agriculture and other forms of manual labor.

Pedro St. James, built by the plantor William Bodden, served not only as a residence but also as a venue for political and social gatherings. The reliance on slave labor reflects the broader historical context of the time, where enslaved people were foundational to the development of infrastructure and the economy in the Caribbean. This decision for labor source was influenced by the social and economic structures in place, whereby enslaved individuals were forced to work without compensation, thus facilitating the construction of such monumental buildings.