1. Agriculture:
- The most significant sector where enslaved people were employed was agriculture. They were responsible for tilling the soil, planting crops (like tobacco, cotton, and vegetables), harvesting yields, and general farm maintenance.
2. Salt Production:
- Salt was a crucial commodity for preservation, and Bermuda's salt ponds provided considerable means for production. Enslaved individuals worked in these salt ponds, enduring demanding conditions while harvesting and processing salt for trade and local use.
3. Shipbuilding and Maintenance:
- Bermuda's strategic location made it a crucial hub for shipbuilding and repair during the 17th and 18th centuries. Slaves were skilled craftsmen who contributed to constructing, repairing, and maintaining vessels essential for trade and the movement of people.
4. Domestic Service:
- Many slaves were employed within households as domestic workers. They performed various tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and taking care of children.
5. Construction:
- The establishment and expansion of Bermuda's infrastructure and architecture involved enslaved individuals working as laborers, carpenters, masons, and other skilled positions in construction.
6. Naval Work:
- Due to Bermuda's maritime importance, slaves were also involved in tasks related to the Royal Navy. They worked in dockyards, assisting in shipbuilding and other maritime-related activities.
7. Fishing:
- Fishing was a vital source of food and income for Bermuda, and enslaved fishermen were employed in catching, cleaning, and preserving fish for local consumption and export.
8. Artisan Trades:
- Some slaves were skilled in various artisan trades such as blacksmithing, carpentry, and shoemaking. They used their expertise to create essential goods for the community and for sale.
It is important to remember that the lives of enslaved individuals in Bermuda were marked by harsh treatment, exploitation, and limited personal freedom. Their contributions were crucial to the economic development of the island, but they endured tremendous hardships and injustices under a system that deprived them of basic human rights.
