Premier Ewart Brown yesterday unveiled a ten-foot-tall statue of Sally Bassett, a slave famously burned at the stake after she was accused of poisoning.

The sculpture, which sits in the Cabinet Grounds, was created by Bermudian artist Carlos Dowling.

The monument is not yet complete – a 'soft opening' was held to unveil the statue to the public.

Said Mr. Dowling yesterday: "When I was given the honour of doing the Sally Bassett commission, I took the job very seriously.

"When given a public piece of art, I feel you have a responsibility to do your very best. So I first rested, meditated and researched the Sally Bassett story. I then isolated myself for 28 weeks to create the sculpture.

"Through this piece I have used the trick-shots and skills I have learned in my 48-year career and I hope I have done Sally Bassett justice in my portrayal of her story."

Dr. Brown thanked the members of the committee who worked hard to get the statue finished for the unveiling yesterday.

The committee, chaired by former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith, included Dr. Brown's press secretary Glenn Jones, Government protocol officer Deborah Pitt, assistant Director of Tourism Jasmine Smith and park planner Andrew Pettit.

Dr. Brown said: "The story of Sally Bassett is breathtaking in its power and Carlos Dowling's tribute to her is equally breathtaking.

"I expect when this monument is entirely completed, it will be a superb teaching vehicle for school children, for visitors or for anyone who comes on the Cabinet Office grounds."

Sally Bassett was owned by the estate of Francis Dickinson of Southampton. On June 1, 1730, she was tried on suspicion of poisoning several persons including Thomas Forster, who owned Sally's granddaughter Beck, his wife Sarah Forster and Nancey, a household bondswoman.

Sally was charged with giving Beck the poison that Nancey discovered in the wall of the kitchen outlet. Even though Sally maintained her innocence, she was burned at the stake on a scorching hot day.

Even now, many Bermudians refer to a very hot day as 'a real Sally Bassett Day'.