Residents of St. James on Friday, 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. According to JIS, 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 was 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,” the Mayor 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 of St James, Ewen Corrodus; Member of Parliament for South St. James, and Minister of Labour and Social SecurityDerrick Kellier; and Principal of the Sam Sharpe Teachers College, Dr. Ashburn Pinnock.
