Floral Tribute Held for Sam Sharpe
By: , May 23, 2014The Key Point:
The Facts
- For the third year, the event commemorated on the date on which the National Hero was hanged in that town square, has been used to mark the start of Labour Day activities.
- This year marks 182 years since Sharpe was cited as the main instigator of a rebellion, and hanged.
The Full Story
Residents of St. James on Labour Day, May 23, paid homage to National Hero, The Right Excellent Samuel Sharpe, at a floral tribute and ceremony, held at the statue in his honour at Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay.
For the third year, the event commemorated on the date on which the National Hero was hanged in that town square, has been used to mark the start of Labour Day activities throughout the parish.
This year marks 182 years since Sharpe was cited as the main instigator of a rebellion, and hanged.
Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Glendon Harris, who gave an overview of the event, stated that it is being held in honour of a man who paved the way for the freedom, which Jamaicans now enjoy.
“Our assembly here is a remembrance to his gallantry and life, is a fitting start to Labour Day activities in St. James,” he stated.
“Sam Sharpe’s leadership, courage and uncompromising anti-slavery ideology influenced an organisation among his people to resist injustice,” he stated.
He argued that Sam Sharpe’s legacy can be summed up as one of inspiration and determination, noting that the experiences of “Daddy Sharpe”, teaches that the power of change lies in the people.
Also present at the event were Custos Rotolorum of St. James, Hon. Ewen Corrodus; Member of Parliament for South St. James, and Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier; and Principal of the Sam Sharpe Teachers College, Dr. Ashburn Pinnock.