When was slavery abolished in the Cayman Islands?

Slavery was officially abolished in the Cayman Islands on August 1, 1834. This date marks the culmination of a gradual process initiated by the Slavery Abolition Act passed by the British Parliament in 1833, which came into effect across the British Empire. The Cayman Islands, being a British colony at the time, adhered to this legislation.

August 1, 1834, is significant not only because it marks the legal end of slavery but also because it reflects a broader movement towards emancipation within the Caribbean and the recognition of all human rights. The immediate consequence of the 1834 legislation was the introduction of a system of apprenticeship, whereby former enslaved individuals were required to work for their former owners for a period of four to six years before gaining full freedom, but this was a transitional phase towards total emancipation.

Understanding this context helps clarify why this date is pivotal in Cayman history and culture, marking a major shift in societal structure and human rights on the islands.