Feeding The Crusher at Sugar Mill
Barbados, circa 1900

One Dies, Get Another

The sugar plantation of Barbados had a labor force of 2,000 indentured servants and 200 African slaves in 1638—with an indentured servant costing 12pounds and a slave 25pounds. Since neither the slave nor the servant was likely to live more than four or five years, the servant seemed 'better value' to the plantation owners than the slaves.