174th anniversary of Jamaican Slaves' Rebellion

RT HON. SAM SHARP

1801-1832

SAMUEL SHARP led a rebellion of slaves in Jamaica on 27th December 1831 that lasted till January of the following year. It clearly indicated to the ruling classes in Jamaica and the British Parliament that AFRIKAN Slaves were determined to achieve liberation form Chattel Slavery.

This well organised rebellion led by Samuel Sharp engulfed the entire island resulting in the so-called "ABOLITION of Slavery in British Territories. However the Slave Trade continued across the African, Caribbean Regions and American mainland till 1887.

A devout Christian of Baptist persuasion, Sam santioned the uprising with oaths of participants made by kissing the Bible. The rebellion resulted in substantial loss of lives on all sides plus the eventual hanging on May 23, 1832 of Samuel Sharp, survived by his immortal declaration :"I would rather die upon yonder gallows than live in slavery".

The Methodist minister, Henry Bleby provides us with a moving account of how he met his death. "He marched to the spot where so many had been sacrificed to the demon of slavery with a firm and even dignified step, clothed in a suit of new white clothes?..He seemed to be entirely unmoved by the near approach of death and addressed the assembled multitude at some length in a clear unfaltering voice".

may the ancestors be pleased with his efforts..

we pour libations