A bronze statue of Sally Bassett, a black slave who was burned at the stake in 1730, is to be erected on Cabinet grounds.

The larger-than-life figure was created by Bermudian sculptor Carlos Dowling in Dockyard.

Some people believe the burning happened at Crow Lane, others say it happened near Albuoy's Point.

A variety of locations were looked at for the statue but Social Rehabilitation and Cultural Affairs Minister Dale Butler said the City fathers had resisted an attempt to put the figure at City Hall.

He told The Royal Gazette: "At the end of the day we had to find somewhere that was accessible so people could come and stand in front of it as compared to putting it on a roundabout.

"You can't directly stand on a roundabout without putting yourself in danger.

"Most statues you can get to. It became rather difficult. But people come in and out of the Cabinet grounds on a regular basis.

"There are tours and visitors that come through. It's one of the most open in the world. You don't even have a metal detector."

Asked about the choice of location Mr. Butler said: "Once it is launched we will hear from the public.

"The public more or less left it to the Government, I didn't hear anyone champion anything to put it at A, B or C. In Bermuda people wait to see what you are going to do, then they complain."

He added: "I think it is a great idea and another addition to Bermuda's history.

"Every country highlights outstanding, significant, large activities that have taken place in their domain.

"Some things you can applaud and there are others where you step back and wish they weren't burned at the stake. You can't ignore it."

Mr. Butler said the statue was being poured at an overseas foundry and will arrive back in Bermuda later this year.

A committee will determine where on Cabinet grounds the figure will be placed.

Speaking about the statue last August Premier Ewart Brown said: "I believe is important for Bermuda to confront its own history.

"We are not the first people to make sure our history is properly recorded. I admire the Jews who will not let the world forget about the Holocaust.

"We must, in Bermuda, be not afraid to engage in the conversation and the reality of our past. This is something that happened in Bermuda."

The statue depicts Ms Bassett – who had been accused of trying to poison her master – as being pregnant. Sculptor Carlos Dowling explained last year that she was "pregnant with the spirit of freedom.

"Everyone can surround themselves with the idea of freedom."