Page "History of the British Virgin Islands" Paragraph 78

In 1848, a major disturbance occurred in the Territory.

The causes of the disturbance were several.

A revolt of slaves was occurring in St. Croix, which increased the general fervour in the islands, but the free population of Tortola were much more concerned with two other grievances: the appointment of public officials, and the crackdown on smuggling.

Although Tortola had sixteen coloured public officials, all except one were " foreigners " from outside the Territory.

During the period of economic decline, smuggling had been one of the few lucrative sources of employment, and recent laws which imposed stringent financial penalties ( with hard labour for non-payment ) were unpopular.

The anger was directed against the magistrates by the small shop keepers, and they concentrated their attack on the stipendiary magistrate, Isidore Dyett.

However, Dyett was popular with the rural population, who respected him for protecting them from unscrupulous planters.

The ringleaders of the insurrection had supposed that their attack would lead to a general revolt, but their choice of Dyett as a target robbed them of popular support, and the disturbance eventually fizzled.