Mayor Vernon Says Samuel Sharpe’s Leadership Continues to Inspire Jamaicans

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, says National Hero, the Right Excellent Samuel Sharpe’s leadership and uncompromising anti-slavery ideology continue to inspire the fight against injustice in Jamaica.

Speaking at the annual floral tribute, held at Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, St. James, on Labour Day, May 23, Mayor Vernon urged citizens to remember Sam Sharpe’s legacy and to uphold his values of resilience and determination in their own lives.

Mayor Vernon recounted the pivotal moment in Jamaican history 192 years ago when Sam Sharpe initiated a mission that led to the emancipation of enslaved Jamaicans.

He praised Sam Sharpe’s courage and forward-thinking, arguing that his actions and ideas were ahead of his time and continue to shape the Jamaican society today.

“In 1831 a courageous, enslaved person known to his followers as Daddy Sharpe started a mission, which resulted in complete freedom for enslaved Jamaicans. This era imprinted an indelible mark in our history,” the Mayor said.

“December 27 of that year shaped our present and influenced our future. Today, six months shy of 193 years, we gather here in historic Sam Sharpe Square to pay tribute to the architect of that defining moment,” he added.

Reflecting on the foundations of liberty, Mr. Vernon connected Mr. Sharpe’s legacy to Labour Day, emphasising the importance of recognising the National Hero as Jamaica’s first labour leader.

“Daddy Sharpe was lynched right here on this day in 1832. Importantly, he was our first labour leader. Therefore, it is apt that Labour Day activities in the wonderful municipality of St. James commence by paying homage to this giant of a man,” he said.

The ceremony, hosted by the St. James Municipal Corporation and the Jamaica Cultural Development Company (JCDC), included the laying of flowers at the monument in his honour at Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, commemorating the date on which the National Hero was hanged in the town square in 1832.

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Homer Davis, led the tributes, followed by other dignitaries. Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs and Member of Parliament for St. James West Central, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte; Mayor Vernon, and Custos of St. James, Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, also placed flowers at the monument.