The year was 1830. Like many places in the world, slavery was a way of life in The Bahamas.
So when John Rolle, a British Lord and plantation owner in Exuma, declared that 77 slaves must be transferred to work on Cat Island, it was understood that families would be separated. Lives splintered. All accepted this fate, except Pompey.
The 32-year-old slave began an uprising that led to a cancellation of the transfer order.
But more importantly, it marks a key moment of resistance against the establishment, not long before emancipation was achieved in The Bahamas in August 1838.
To commemorate Pompey and the principles of freedom and equality, the first annual Run for Pompey will held in Exuma from October 9 through October 12, with the actual race happening on National Heroes Day in the Bahamas (Oct 12).
Two-time Bahamian gold medalist Pauline Davis-Thompson will serve as patron of the event.
Leaving from the lessor-known Pompey Memorial in Steventon, Exuma, the race features at 5K “fun run”, a 21.5km half marathon and a 42K marathon and a 50K ultra.
The event is presented by title sponsor BAF Financial and Insurance (Bahamas) Limited, a Bahamian-owned, full service financial services company that has been a leader in the industry since 1920.
“At BAF Financial, we believe in supporting causes that help create our Bahamian leaders of tomorrow. Certainly, Pompey personifies the qualities of leadership and strength, so we are thrilled to be a part of it,” said Chester Cooper, President and CEO of BAF Financial.
“We also believe the ideals Pompey stood for will resonate beyond the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and appeal to athletes and tourists around the world.”
Run for Pompey is also sponsored and supported by GIV Bahamas Inc, the Ministry of Tourism, Grand Isle Resort and Spa, Bahamian Beverage and Brewery Corporation and BahamasLocal.com
Peter Nicholson, the President of GIV Bahamas Inc., said the event is an opportunity to bring a lessor-known civil rights leader to the forefront. Nicholson and his business partner, Tyrone Munroe, are the largest homeowners at Grand Isle Resort and Spa.
“Most people that come to Exuma have no idea who Pompey was, and what we stood for,” Munroe added. “And they definitely do not know there is a memorial here. This is an opportunity to change that and uplift an important moment in Bahamian history.”
Guests in Exuma can take advantage of a special promo code at Grand Isle, entitling them to up to 50 percent off normal rates, by simply inputting “POMPEY” when booking at www.grandisleresort.com
All proceeds from Run for Pompey will go towards the Exuma Foundation, creating an annual post-secondary education scholarship fund for deserving students in Exuma.
The run on National Heroes Day will be followed by a “cook-out” for the entire community in Regatta Park, located in downtown George Town, and featuring prizes and live entertainment.
For more information on the Run for Pompey, and to register in the race, you can visit its website at www.runforpompey.com.
