Jamaica’s National Heroes dared to challenge the institution
of colonialism and in so doing changed the course of
Jamaica’s history giving social and political freedom to its
people. Today, the statues of Jamaica’s seven National Heroes
stand in proud acknowledgment, in the National Heroes Park in Kingston
where they are viewed with inspiring pride, unforgettable symbols of
Jamaica’s enduring strength.
 Paul
Bogle - Birth date: uncertain. Died: 1865.
Paul
Bogle, a Baptist Deacon was generally regarded as a peaceful man who
shunned violence. He believed in the teachings of the Bible, endorsing
the principles of charity and endurance. Yet he was also a leader and
organizer who knew well the terrains of the land and had spent time in
educating and training his followers. He lived in St. Thomas and led
the Morant Bay Rebellion in 1865.
 George William
Gordon. 1820-1865
George
William Gordon was a free colored land owner and an associate of Bogle.
As a member of the House of Parliament, he used his position to
highlight the sufferings of the people and to make a plea for changes.
The Morant Bay Rebellion and the resultant deaths of Bogle and Gordon
precipitated the beginning of a new era in Jamaica’s
development. The British government became compelled to make changes
including outstanding reforms in education, health, local
government, banking and infrastructure
 Nanny.
Lived and Died in Nanny Town
Nanny
of the Maroons stands out in history as the only female among
Jamaica’s national heroes. She possessed that fierce fighting
spirit generally associated with the courage of men. In fact, Nanny is
described as a fearless Asante warrior who used militarist techniques
to foul and beguile the English. Like the heroes of the pre
Independence era, Nanny too met her untimely death at the instigation
of the English sometime around 1734. Yet, the spirit of Nanny of the
Maroons remains today as a symbol of that domitable desire that will
never yield to captivity.
 Samuel Sharpe.
1801 - 1832
‘Daddy’
Sam Sharpe, as he was affectionately called was to carry on the
Resistance against slavery effecting at the young age of 31, the most
outstanding Slave Rebellion in Jamaica’s history. Sharpe, an
educated town slave, was a preacher and spokesman. Intelligent and
sharp, he followed the developments of the abolition movement by
reading discarded local and foreign papers and was able to advise his
followers. Sharpe was tired of slavery, spent months in strategic
planning, educating the slaves and traveling from estate to estate in
secret meetings at nights, igniting the slaves with inspiring messages
of hope of freedom. The 1831 Christmas Rebellion started in St. James
and spread throughout the entire island. The Rebellion started on
December 28 and lasted 8 days. Sam Sharpe was eventually captured and
hung at the Parade in Montego Bay (now renamed Sam Sharpe Square). On
August 28, 1833 slavery was abolished and the System of Apprenticeship
instituted, allowing for the total freedom of slaves in the next 4-6
years. On August 1, 1938 the Apprenticeship System ended granting full
freedom to the slaves.
 Sir
Alexander Bustamante. 1884-1977
Alexander
Bustamante was an aggressive, outspoken young man who understood the
dynamics of labor relations. A charismatic and impressive speaker, he
used the media to criticize the prevailing political system and its
attendant social problems. He started the Industrial Trade Union in
1938 and was jailed for 17 moths following labor riots. He became
Jamaica’s first Chief Minister, a position he held until
1954, being knighted that same year by the queen. On August 6, 1962
Jamaica was granted full independence. At the first session of
Parliament, Bustamante received the Instruments of Independence from
the queen’s representative, Princess Margaret. This time in
Jamaica’s history drastic changes were heralded, not by
bloodshed but by peaceful negotiations.
 Norman
Wahington Manley. 1893-1969
Norman
Washington Manley founded the People’s National Party which
later was tied to the Trade Union Congress and the N.W. U. Together
with Bustamante, their efforts resulted in the New Constitution of 1944
granting full Adult Suffrage. In 1955 Manley was elected Chief
Minister. The 400 year British Rule, invoking slavery, deculturisation,
uprising and bloodshed was not at an end.
  Marcus
Mosiah Garvey. 1887-1940
Marcus
Mosiah Garvey stands out in history as one who was greatly committed to
the concept of the Emancipation of minds. Garvey who was born in St.
Ann became famous worldwide as a leader who was courageous and eloquent
in his call for improvement for Blacks. He sought the unification of
all Blacks through the establishment of the United Negro Improvement
Association and spoke out against economic exploitation and cultural
denigration. He spent many years in the United States pursuing his goal
of Black Unification.
|
Jamaica's National Heroes