St. Thomas Celebrates Independence With Tribute to Paul Bogle

The observance of Emancipendence 2026 in St. Thomas culminated on August 6 with the Independence Day Flag-Raising Ceremony and Uniform Parade at Paul Bogle Square in Morant Bay.

Held under the theme ‘Celebrating Unity in Resilience’, the ceremony reflected on the significance of Jamaica’s Independence on August 6, 1962, and brought together civic leaders, uniformed organisations and residents in thanksgiving for the nation’s 64 years as a sovereign State.

Mayor of Morant Bay, Councillor Louis Chin, used the occasion to honour the legacy of National Hero, the Right Excellent Paul Bogle, while encouraging residents to draw inspiration from his sacrifice and commitment to justice.

“While we raise our national flag in honour of Jamaica’s journey to freedom and those who paved the way, let us remember the Right Excellent Paul Bogle, who walked from Stony Gut to Spanish Town to share the struggles of the people of St. Thomas,” Councillor Chin said.

He noted that the recent naming of the Paul Bogle Highway served as a fitting tribute to the National Hero’s enduring contribution to the parish and the nation.

Councillor Chin urged residents to remain united as they work towards the continued development of the parish.

“As we celebrate another Independence Day together, let us stand united in our spirit, uplift our community and drive St. Thomas towards a bright and prosperous future that would make our ancestors proud,” he said.

Delivering the Governor-General’s Independence Message, Custos Rotulorum of St. Thomas, Hon. Marcia Bennett, said the occasion served as a reminder of the lessons learned since Independence and underscored the importance of kindness, compassion and unity.

“Acts of kindness remind us that resilience grows stronger when compassion and unity walk hand in hand,” Custos Bennett said.

She noted that while political independence secured Jamaica’s freedom as a nation, every generation has a responsibility to pursue its own path to independence.

“Our journey since 1962 also teaches another important lesson. Political independence secured our freedom as a nation, but every generation must continue to pursue independence in its own way. For many of our young people, that journey begins with education,” she said.

Custos Bennett urged Jamaicans to pursue excellence with courage and determination while remaining grateful for the nation’s achievements.

In her Independence message, the Custos encouraged the nation’s youth to take advantage of educational opportunities to prepare themselves for the future.

“Success is seldom easy, yet learning remains one of the surest pathways to opportunity and progress,” Custos Bennett said.

“Whether through academic study, technical training, or skills development, every young Jamaican should seize the opportunities available to prepare for the future. Education equips our children to compete confidently, ensuring they are never left behind in an increasingly demanding world,” she added.

The ceremony featured a uniform parade involving representatives of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) and the Jamaica Red Cross.

Among those in attendance were members of the parish’s Justices of the Peace; Miss Universe Jamaica St. Thomas, Tara-Gaye Evans; and Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen 2026, Etana Williams, who delivered the vote of thanks.