Call to replace slave owner’s statue with tribute to tortured girl
ABLACK youth group is calling to replace the statue of Sir Thomas Picton in Cardiff ’s City Hall with a memorial to his most famous victim. More than 80 Cardiffians have signed an open letter to the leader of Cardiff council, organised by young people at the Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel (SSAP), an African diaspora group.
Sir Thomas Picton, remembered as a 19th century war hero, was also a slave owner and described by contemporaries as a “sadistic” authoritarian colonial governor of Trinidad. Following the toppling of a statue of slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol last month, the Lord Mayor of Cardiff Cllr Da n
De’Ath and council leader Huw Thomas called to remove the Picton statue from City Hall. In 1806 Picton was put on trial for ordering the horrific torture of Louisa Calderon, 14, a mixed race girl accused of theft.
The jury found him guilty but he was never sentenced, and was acquitted in 1808.
The open letter said: “While statues of slave traders continue to be taken down around the world, the question of what is to be done with the empty plinths left behind by these statues and how to address their history is undoubtedly posed.
“These are questions that should be answered by the communities in which these statues have long stood. Indeed, in the case of the statue of Picton, residents of Cardiff ought to have a say. “Louisa travelled to the UK and spoke in court, despite her fighting spirit and bravery, she did not see justice and disappeared into historical obscurity. It is time to set things right.
“We believe in a Wales that makes amends for the past, that protects children from sexual abuse and harm, and that feels just as much as we do for Louisa Calderon. Our monuments should reflect this.”
The marble statue of Picton stands in a series of monuments of “Heroes of Wales” in City Hall. He was chosen in 1916 for a statue for being the highest ranking officer to die at the Battle of Waterloo.
Cardiff council will debate “at the earliest opportunity” a motion to remove the statue, and how to address other contentious statues in the city.
Takura Aldridge, of SSAP Youth, said: “We are seeking the help of leaders who aren’t afraid to confront the past in order to move forward. But as young BAME people, we aren’t afraid to do it alone. Although it would be better if the council and other institutions could join us.” Fadhili Maghiya, director of SSAP, said: “The Black Lives Matter movement in Wales has seen many young people rising up to denounce and address historical and racial injustices. SSAP Youth is no different.
“We need to ensure that the narrative is changed to reflect a more balanced telling of our histories.
“The story of Louisa Calderon and her abuser, Thomas Picton, is part of our Welsh history. Her story represents hundreds of thousands more. Their story needs to be told.”