Mia Mottley proposes including Mighty Sparrow’s ‘Slave’ in Caribbean curriculum

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has proposed that the historic calypso song ‘Slave’ by the late Mighty Sparrow be included in the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) formal education curriculum. Speaking during a farewell ceremony for Slinger Francisco, known as the Mighty Sparrow, in Trinidad and Tobago, Mottley argued that the composition provides essential lessons regarding slavery, Caribbean identity, and the region’s historical journey.

Mottley described the song as a powerful theatrical performance that captures the suffering and the mission of the Caribbean people. She suggested that she and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar work with other regional leaders to integrate the music into the curriculum so that future generations understand the historical context of colonialism and social struggle. Persad-Bissessar expressed support for the initiative during her own tribute. No formal implementation dates or official curriculum changes have been announced.