Legacy of Slavery and Indentured Labour

Linking 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 Sranan-

man CUS, NSHI and VHJI.

Experiments with Indentured Labour 1853 - 1866: the Portuguese from Madeira and

their descendants in Suriname.

Cynthia Brand Flu

Paper

This 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

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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 Madeira

During 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 Later on the wine trade superseded it.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 1853

The 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.

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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.

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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)

Report

On 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 bananas

2 pound rice

2 pound salted fish

2 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 – 34

2 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 legs

1 woman 30-40 years old, high fever.

2 boys, of 14 and 10 years old.emaciated and high fever.

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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.

Advice

The 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 1854

After 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 head

Children from 7-15 years old, fl 37,00 a head

Children 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. 12-11-1856

letter B no. 8/274

To the Gen. Majoor Gouverneur Kol. Suriname

Former 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.

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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 França was permitted to import immigrants from Madeira by the Government

Imm.dep. No 615/v procureur generaal no.2164 adm. Fin. no. 758

27-9-1856 Mr. E. van Emden chairman of the Planters meeting about the proposal of Fereyra França 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 França

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 França.

3-2-1857/n.234

Mr. J. De Veer Tyndall writes he has heard mr. Fereyra França 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.167

To 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 França 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 França 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. Ruhman

Demerary 5th of july 1857

Letter from mr. Ron Duff to Van Emden

We have to acknowledge recent of your communication of 5th enclosing a letter of Fereyra

França which has been forwarded to him. In reply to your enquiries about Freyra França we

beg to state for the information of his excellency the Gouvernor that Fereyra França 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 França 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 França is now in Georgetown we believe out

of employment. Ron Duff

12 february 1857

Fereyra de França sents a letter to E. Van Emden

Sir,

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

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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 França, 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 França 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 ½

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)

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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)

Orphans

In 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

15

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 ended

Nuinel 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 locations

1877 shopkeeper/groceries/bakery Pl. Sint Barbara

1898 shopkeeper/groceries retail

1900 – 1904 wholesale/liquor  P'bo Keizerstraat

wholesale/liquor  P'bo Steenbakkersgracht

liquor  shop P'bo Wagewegstraat

liquor  shop P'bo Joodenbreestraat

Schips from Madeira 1853 – 1864, date of arrival, amount of labourors and the

plantations they were sent to work

Name of  boat Arrivel Imm. Plantation/ product/ name and location hired died various

Moravitka, schooner 15-8-1853 124 Pl. Boxel (sugar) boven Suriname river 22

Pl. Susannasdaal (sugar) beneden Surinam 23

Pl. Katwijk (coffee) beneden Commewijne 65 14 27 trans to

Pl. Lunenburg (sugar) boven Cottica river 27 5 from Katwijk

Libania & Adelaida 12-6-1854 155 Pl. Alsimo (coffe, coton) Commewijne river 13

Pl. Drie gebroeders (sugar) Suriname river 15

Pl. Hamburg (sugar) Cottica, 33

Pl. Houttuinen (sugar) Suriname river 19

Pl. Leonsberg (coffe) Suriname river 7

Pl. Lustrijk (coffee) Commewijne 8

Pl. Maagdenburg (sugar) Suriname river 16

Pl. Sardam (sugar) Cottica river 9

Pl. Sussanasdaal (sugar) Suriname river 11

Pl. Weltevreden (coffee) Commewijne 24

Rothsay 21-12-1863 52 Pl. Groot Chatillon (sugar) Suriname river 12

Pl. Houttuinen (sugar) Sugar) Suriname river 33

Pl. Boxel (sugar) boven Suriname river 7

Trez Amigoes (Bark) 11-11-1864 140  Pl. Het Vertrouwen (sugar) Commewijne 32

 Pl.Guineesche Vriendschap (sugar) Surinam 32

 Pl. St. Barbara (sugar) Suriname river 23

 Pl. Nieuw Levant (coffee) Cottica river 12

 Pl. Elisabethshoop (coffee) Commewijne 8

 Pl. Johannisburg (Coffee) Commewijne 8

Pl.Voorburg (sugar) Commewijne 6

Private individuals. 11

Mathilde (Brik) 15-8-1864 48  Pl. Het Vertrouwen (suiker) Commewijne 8

 Pl. Drie gebroeders.(suiker) Surinam river 37

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Patentregister 1865

Total amount of people 23 The Plantation  11

Groceries (Vettewarier) retail 11

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 retail 17

Shopkeerpers/Groceriers/Breadbakers 4

Women: shopkeeper/groceries 2

Patentregister 1880

Total amount of people 18 Plantations  3

Shopkeeper/groceries retail 13 Paramaribo  1

Shopkeeper/cakebaker 1

Breadbaker 1

Merchant/shopkeeper 1

Billiard holder/shopkeeper 1

Women 5

Shopkeeper/groceries retail 4

Billiardholder/shopkeeper/groceries/liquor 1

Patentregister 1898

Total amount of people 33 Plantations 5

Shopkeeper/groceries/liquor 20

Shopkeeper/groceries retail 3

Dog cart/donkey scart 3

Salesman/saleslady 3

Huckster 1

Pigsbutcher 2

Company 3

Women 6

Shopkeeper/groceries retail 1

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 216 Britisch 127 Dutch 107 Onknown 50

Born in Madeira 45 Born in Madeira 0 born in Madeira 4

Suriname - 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.

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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.

a. British Guyana a total of 30.000 Portuguese immigrants were imported.

b. 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 Suriname

José Rodrigues 1851 –1937 Madeira-Guyana-Suriname

A 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 1883

The 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,--

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Children under the age of 11 nothing will be charged

On arrival in the colony the immigrant has to undergo a medical eximination

In 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.

References

Literature:

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 Sources

Volkstelling (census) Suriname 1921

NL-HaNa, Weeskamer (Orphans Chamber) 1.05.11.13 inv. 22.04

NL-NA, CBB overlijdens/deaths Paramaribo

Archivo Regional da Madeira, casamentos/baptismos

Koloniaal Nieuws en Advertentieblad 11-03-1919

Thanks to Sonja Rodrigues, great-granddaughter of Domingoes Rodrigues

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Thanks to Mieke Rimmer, great-granddaughter of Jose Rodrigues

Thanks to Henk Buzing, great-grandson of Maria Louisa Gomes Serrao and her husband

Johannes Buzing

Thanks to Eerw. Esteban Kross, RK Bisdom