KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – American civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton is slated to be the guest speaker at the 158th anniversary commemoration of the Morant Bay Rebellion.
Councillor Hubert Williams, Mayor of Morant Bay, disclosed during a press conference to launch the activities for this year’s remembrance of the historic events 1865.
Mayor of Morant Bay Councilor Hubert Williams
“We are going to be blessed by the presence of one of the world’s most renowned civil rights leaders, and I must say this: Rev Al was so happy to visit the people of St Thomas, the daughters, and sons of Paul Bogle, that he gave us a gift by paying his airfare for himself and his entire entourage,” Councillor Williams disclosed.
Paul Bogle was a preacher in the 1860s who led a protest in Morant Bay against injustice and widespread poverty and was later arrested and charged with inciting a riot.
Several people were killed during the protest, and protesters burned the courthouse and nearby buildings.
Bogle is officially recognized as one of Jamaica’s national heroes.
The Memorial Service of this rebellion will take place on October 24 at the Paul Bogle Square in Morant Bay, beginning at 6:00 p.m., and will feature a candlelight vigil.
Mayor Williams told the press conference that the gesture of Sharpton suggests that “there are people out there, well-known people, who understand and appreciate the work of Paul Bogle; and it’s about time [that] we the people of St Thomas celebrate Paul Bogle to the full extent.”
He described Sharpton’s visit to the parish as “a big deal” and said, “We just want Jamaica and the world to know that St. Thomas is open for business and we are the most cultural parish in Jamaica.
“We want tourists to come here to know about and experience our deep heritage and culture,” he added.
The St. Thomas Municipal Corporation is hosting the memorial service with the Paul Bogle Foundation. It is hoped to remind “of the immeasurable value of the deeds of Paul Bogle and allied martyrs.”
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