On January 1, 1808 the Abolition Bill was passed. Trading in African slaves was declared to be “utterly abolished, prohibited and declared to be unlawful”. Emancipation and apprenticeship came into effect in 1834 and full freedom was granted in 1838.
That however, as we know, wasn’t the end of the story, as the immediate post slavery days were very difficult for the poorer classes. The will of the masses was not deemed important and hence ignored. To make things worse, supplies to the island were being cut off – thanks to the American Civil War. Additionally, the island was in drought and most crops were ruined.
In October 1865, an uprising in St. Thomas called the Morant Bay Rebellion, was led by Paul Bogle. Bogle and his men stormed the Morant Bay Courthouse while it was in session. A number of whites were killed including the custos of the parish. The rebellion was put down by the Governor, Edward John Eyre. More than 430 people were executed or shot, hundreds more flogged and 1,000 dwellings destroyed.
Paul Bogle and George William Gordon, now National Heroes, were hanged. George Gordon was a prominent coloured legislator who was sympathetic to the problems of the poor and was blamed for the trouble caused by the masses.
So as we see, the celebration of Emancipation and Independence is inextricably linked with our heroes.
From Tainos, to Discovery and Morant, our history is full of courage and perseverance. Our country is blessed with heroic fore-bearers, and Jamaicans will always hear the drums and pledge our hearts to forever serve with humble pride, this shining homeland ever so long as God abide.
That however, as we know, wasn’t the end of the story, as the immediate post slavery days were very difficult for the poorer classes. The will of the masses was not deemed important and hence ignored. To make things worse, supplies to the island were being cut off – thanks to the American Civil War. Additionally, the island was in drought and most crops were ruined.
In October 1865, an uprising in St. Thomas called the Morant Bay Rebellion, was led by Paul Bogle. Bogle and his men stormed the Morant Bay Courthouse while it was in session. A number of whites were killed including the custos of the parish. The rebellion was put down by the Governor, Edward John Eyre. More than 430 people were executed or shot, hundreds more flogged and 1,000 dwellings destroyed.
Paul Bogle and George William Gordon, now National Heroes, were hanged. George Gordon was a prominent coloured legislator who was sympathetic to the problems of the poor and was blamed for the trouble caused by the masses.
So as we see, the celebration of Emancipation and Independence is inextricably linked with our heroes.
From Tainos, to Discovery and Morant, our history is full of courage and perseverance. Our country is blessed with heroic fore-bearers, and Jamaicans will always hear the drums and pledge our hearts to forever serve with humble pride, this shining homeland ever so long as God abide.