Focus on St. Thomas’ Heritage

Foundation, Projects
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October 4, 2021

Cultural heritage is an integral component of economic development

Monument Project

Monuments and memorials—the statues, plaques, markers, and place names that commemorate people and events—are how a country tells and teaches its story. Who are we instructed to honor and uplift, and who do we not see in these potent symbols? Does the civic landscape of St. Thomas show an accurate picture of our parish and country, or does it propagate a woefully incomplete story?

The uprising of 1865 is one of the most significant historical events. The courthouse played a pivotal role but is in ruins today. It should be preserved for future generations. Paul Bogle’s statue needs to be replaced. All the other Martyrs must also be adequately acknowledged and honored for their sacrifice. There is a need for a fitting iconic symbol to mark entry to the town of Morant Bay. We note with some envy, the efforts of other parishes to more fully and proudly preserve their most important historical assets. For example, December 27 has been proclaimed Sam Sharpe Day, for his role in leading the Emancipation War of 1831-1832. We believe the Morant Bay War is of equal historical significance and deserves to be recognized in a similar manner.

To address this opportunity, a committee has been seated by The St. Thomas Renaissance Foundation, comprising a membership that is representative, credentialed, credible, capable, and with good standing in the parish, nationally and internationally.

Monument Committee

Among the committee members are:

Professor Verene Shepherd – Social Historian; Professor Clinton Hutton – Social Historian, Ainsley Henriques, former Chair of Jamaica National Heritage Trust, Dorette Abrahams, Shelly-Ann Thompson, Najae Nunes, Deron Douglas, Hilbert Robinson – Chair

Commission of New Paul Bogle Statue

A propose new Paul Bogle Statue will be commissioned and erected. This new statue will be based on the officially recognized image of Paul Bogle as explained in the Gleaner Article.

The 1865 Morant Bay Martyr’s Memorial

While all Jamaicans are familiar with National Hero Paul Bogle, few are aware of the more than four hundred of his followers who were also rounded up, lost their lives, imprisoned, and exiled to Nova Scotia, during the events October 1865, in retribution for daring to stand up. In reclaiming this part of St. Thomas’ heritage, a monument will be erected in a prominent location, as a Memorial to the Martyrs of the 1865 Morant Bay War.

There are many valuable artifacts related to the Morant Bay Uprising that are in storage at various institutions in Kingston that should rightfully be on permanent display in a dedicated museum space, ideally in Morant Bay. The historic Morant Bay Courthouse still stands in ruin more than a decade after it was destroyed by fire. A restored courthouse would make the perfect home for these historical treasures. The Morant Bay Courthouse will be restored and converted into a public museum and a Center Piece for Heritage Tourism in the parish.