Special lighting is to create the image of flames around the statue of Sally Bassett, The Royal Gazette understands.

Work was underway yesterday on a series of interpretive plaques and lighting at the base of the 10ft bronze statue.

This newspaper was told this included "a red and orange glowing light".

Martin Brown, owner of Brown and Co. Landscaping, the company carrying out the work, said: "We're getting the statue ready to put a series of plaques on it. They are bronze plaques which describe Sally Bassett and her history.

"We are also installing a light. The work should be finished by the end of the week."

He did not wish to comment further, but said: "There has been a desire expressed to have a light at the base of the statue."

Government did not return a request for comment yesterday.

Sally Bassett was burned at the stake in 1730 for allegedly attempting to poison her master, his wife and another slave. Even now, many Bermudians refer to a very hot day as "a real Sally Bassett Day".

The statue of the black slave, by Bermudian artist Carlos Dowling, was unveiled at the Cabinet grounds in October with a torch lighting ceremony.