I had something else to write about today, but let me put it on one side, temporarily. Let’s talk about “we” (not good grammar but you know what I mean) – or “wi” in Jamaican patois.

The essence of blogging is, or should be, creating a community in which to share ideas, agree, disagree. It is not supposed to be an ego-boosting, self-aggrandizing exercise, as a Guardian blogger suggests in the article below. It should be about “we.” But which “we” are we talking about? How large is the collective “we” – how vague, how amorphous is it? Can we reach out and embrace the “we” and if not, why not?

Our local politicians seem to like the concept of “we” – when it suits them. When fingers are pointed at them to seize the initiative, to lead, to deal with a specific problem, the cry often goes up, “Well, we are all in this together… We can fight crime together… We can generate jobs together…” etc, etc. The Jamaican citizen, staggering under the weight of poverty, growing inequality, joblessness and all the other social ills, hardly feels empowered, one suspects. He/she feels like the “us” in “them and us.”  And if he/she does get up and assert him/herself, with fellow citizens, as the collective “we,”  the powers that be may not support you whole-heartedly.

One small example: I felt a little sad when I read that a group of rural residents were prevented from continuing a peaceful march of several miles from the birthplace of National Hero Paul Bogle (Stony Gut, St. Thomas) to Morant Bay. It was simply a re-enactment of Bogle’s historic march during the rebellion of 1865 (Bogle was hanged at the end of it). Yesterday was National Heroes Day. The people were also concerned about a number of current social problems afflicting Jamaica – the increased incidence of rape and other crimes, for example. So they had a lot on their minds; but they were peaceful. A van-load of police prevented them from completing their march because they did not have the “necessary permit.” The colonial apparatus of bureaucracy appears to be alive and well (yes, you must get a permit to stage a demonstration, and you cannot stage any kind of demonstration anywhere near to the Prime Minister’s office, the Governor General’s residence or the Houses of Parliament, or you will be arrested).

A policewoman explains that the march re-enacting Paul Bogle’s walk from Stony Gut to Morant Bay must end. Admittedly, she sounded sympathetic. But the little girl in the green dress looks like a real disrupter of the peace…

A sad little episode, and an example of the powerlessness of people who are not the right class and who are not people of influence. Who could be more powerless in Jamaica than the rural poor? Besides, the Governor General (the Queen’s representative) was in the neighborhood on an official assignment, and he must not be disturbed in any way by such a rabble! (No, rabble was certainly not the word for this group…)

Thus, the desire of “we the people” to express themselves peacefully in countries like ours is often thwarted by those in authority. So, where can, and must, the collective “we” assert itself, also peacefully and perhaps more effectively? I can only point to the incredible number of non-governmental, private sector, faith-based and community organizations in Jamaica that somehow manage to engender this feeling of “we.” They hint at the potential the citizenry has to really make changes for the better, if only we were to work together.

I have often mentioned these organizations in my Sunday blog posts, and I am in constant awe of them. I admire their dedication and their sheer determination. Many of them operate on a shoestring budget, sometimes having to fall back on their own personal resources to keep things going. There are so many that I know I will surely miss out many who are doing incredible work across the island, but here are a few examples:

Eve for Life supports women and children living with HIV – young mothers and families – offering counseling, social support, youth support, after-school programs…and a whole lot of love. Pat Watson and Joy Crawford are knowledgeable, sensitive, down-to-earth and caring.

Patricia Watson, Eve for Life

Joy Crawford, Eve for Life

Youth Crime Watch of Jamaica, founded by former U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica Sue Cobb, quietly gets on with the job of empowering inner-city youth in several Kingston communities, nurtured by the Office of Social Entrepreneurship at the University of the West Indies. It is great to see young people such as Edward Dixon and Marlon Moore working so hard with teens who are growing up in highly stressful environments, guiding and encouraging.

A member of the Youth Crime Watch of Jamaica summer camp. Every picture tells a story. One of “we.”

Another guide and supporter of Jamaican youth is Omar Frith, the quiet and effective manager of the Stella Maris Foundation. Omar is young and has “been there, done that.” He knows what the young people are going through – he understands, but makes no excuses for them. He is calm, thoughtful and full of belief. The Foundation offers all kinds of training, and brings hope, through mentorship and support for those who want to help themselves, in the relatively small but often-volatile community of Grants Pen in Kingston.

Young participants in the Trench Town Reading Centre Summer School 2012 discuss a book on Nelson Mandela.

The Trench Town Reading Centre, incorporating a community classroom, is a bright, glowing and energetic little oasis in the heart of Trench Town – just over the road from the “government yard“ where Bob Marley lived as a young man. Children’s eyes light up as they enter. There are books, and more books – for adults and children. There are activities – art and crafts, spelling bees, poetry competitions, you name it. There are activities throughout the long summer days when young children often wander on hot inner-city streets. It is a wonderful place of hope. And learning.

Jamaicans for Justice is high-profile, and so it should be. Founded by Dr. Carolyn Gomes – who gave up her lucrative pediatrician’s practice to lead the lobby group –  JFJ fights for the rights of all Jamaicans, young and old, uptown and downtown. It lobbies for improvements to the justice system, which is limping along. It supports democratic ideals and practices – that real “we” in action that we should all support.

A number of women’s organizations understand the “we” and are working towards women of all ages and backgrounds to play their full part in it. The 51% Coalition is a relatively new grouping that seeks to redress the balance in society by strengthening women’s voices in public life. Woman Inc has for many years sought to protect and shelter the victims of domestic violence. Women’s Resource & Outreach Centre is an amazing group that advocates for and supports Jamaican women in the town and in rural areas, and understands their important role in society.

Women discuss how to support each other at the 51% Coalition’s forum on participation on public sector boards.

Last but not least…the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) understands fully the concept of “we” - although, in the Jamaican context, there would be good cause for them falling prey to the “them versus us” syndrome. But they don’t. They actually do “get it” - to use a contemporary phrase. Sadly, many of their fellow Jamaicans don’t; they prefer division, hatred and bigotry. It’s so much easier not to try to understand, to judge, to condemn. Yes, those are strong words. But when a local television station decides not to air an ad encouraging Jamaicans to love and understand their gay family members, it is a sad state of affairs. What are we afraid of? I guess we hate those whom we fear. Fear divides and cripples society. It renders us powerless. There is no “Power of We.” But J-FLAG still believes in it.

I am ending this with simply one of my favorite songs about “we.” The original, plaintive version of “Why Can’t We Live Together” by Timmy Thomas – a song that has been covered by Sade and many others. But there is nothing like that austere, crisp long intro. Listen to the words and look at the pictures in this video. They speak for themselves. By the way, I haven’t a clue how to upload videos, but you may find this in my Music Collection on Lockerz.com at http://lockerz.com/u/petchary/collections/4897223/petchary_s_music?ref=petchary or on YouTube at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhrCMIG53XQ&feature=player_detailpage. 

Timmy Thomas: “Why Can’t We Live Together?”

I would also like to point out to you a short, but very important piece published in today’s Jamaica Observer by a young man (of Jamaican heritage, I believe) living in the UK, with the headline “Out of Many, One People.” It sums up the power of “we” - the incredible power of recognizing, supporting, loving each other’s differences.

Here is the link: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/Out-of-many–one-people_12732617

Please, please… let us not follow the example of our two political parties, whom our esteemed Gleaner newspaper still describes as the two “gangs.” They bicker at each other and among themselves. They sigh and heckle and shout and grandstand and show every evidence of divisiveness in their daily lives and their work in Parliament (although there is a general feeling that this combativeness disappears when they are at cocktail functions and social events). Instead of cheering them on in their spiteful forays against each other; instead of calling radio talk shows to defend the party we support; instead of accepting their favors, waving flags and abusing our neighbors in their name – let us be the real Jamaican “we.” Our oft-quoted National Motto is “Out of Many One People.”

Let us be that “One People.” For Jamaica, “we” means unity.

The Power of “We” in action: Many organizations came together to demonstrate against child abuse at the Help JA Children Rally in May, 2012 at Kingston’s Emancipation Park.

Related articles: 

http://globalvoicesonline.org/2012/10/15/its-blog-action-day-celebrate-the-power-of-we/ (from Global Voices, an amazing website sharing blog posts from around the world on real issues)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/higher-education-network/blog/2012/oct/15/blog-action-day-power-of-we?newsfeed=true (Blogging – or the power of we, not me. guardian.co.uk)

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Disrespect_12746018 (Marchers claim disrespect to Bogle’s memory. Jamaica Observer)

http://www.eveforlife.org (Eve for Life website)

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110713/lead/lead4.html (Youth to be agents of change: Youth Crime Watch of Jamaica)

http://www.dogoodjamaica.org/organizations/stella_maris_foundation (Stella Maris Foundation: dogoodjamaica.org)

http://www.marciaforbes.com/content/51-coalition-–-development-empowerment-through-equity (51% Coalition: marciaforbes.org)

http://wrocjamaica.org (Women’s Resource & Outreach Centre website)

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/allwoman/WOMAN-Inc-wants-end-to-domestic-violence_10869491 (Woman Inc wants end to domestic violence: Jamaica Observer)

http://www.trenchtownreadingcentre.com (Trench Town Reading Centre website)

http://www.pri.org/stories/politics-society/a-small-step-forward-for-lgbt-rights-in-jamaica-11667.html (A small step forward for gay rights in Jamaica: pri.org)

http://petchary.wordpress.com/2011/04/09/rights-and-wrongs/ (Rights and Wrongs: petchary.wordpress.com)

http://petchary.wordpress.com/2012/06/15/dark/ (Dark: petchary.wordpress.com)

http://petchary.wordpress.com/2012/08/09/end-patronizing-piecemeal-engagement-of-youth/ (“End patronizing, piecemeal engagement of youth” – op-ed by Jaevion Nelson)

http://petchary.wordpress.com/2012/04/12/op-ed-fighting-injustice-in-jamaica/ (Fighting injustice in Jamaica – op-ed by Jaevion Nelson/Javed Jaghai)

http://petchary.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/we-are-the-51-per-cent/ (We are the 51% – petchary.wordpress.com)

http://petchary.wordpress.com/2012/06/22/madam-director-madam-chair/ (Madam Director, Madam Chair: petchary.wordpress.com)

http://petchary.wordpress.com/2010/11/26/trench-town-postscript/ (Trench Town Postscript: petchary.wordpress.com)

http://petchary.wordpress.com/2010/11/24/trench-town/ (Trench Town: petchary.wordpress.com)

For some, this public holiday is a well-deserved day off from their 9-5.  For others, this day holds a far deeper meaning.

This year, 157 Jamaicans have been selected for National Honours and Awards.  An annual ceremony will be held at King’s House.  King’s House is the official residence of the Governor-General of Jamaica.  Jamaica as a part of the Commonwealth is a constitutional monarchy with a Governor-General as the head of state.  The Prime Minister (Mrs Portia Lucretia Simpson Miller) and the Governor-General (Sir Patrick Linton Allen) play key roles in this historic ceremony.

In addition, our 2012 Olympians and Paralympians will get a ‘Heroes’ welcome with a cultural event and presentation ceremony.

However, to have any kind of appreciation for such awards and/or festivities, it is necessary to understand how it all started.  Before we (as a nation) can understand where we are going [and where we are], we must first understand where we have been.

Our National Heroes

The Order of National Hero, established in 1969, is the highest of the Orders and may be conferred on any Jamaican or naturalised citizen who has rendered the most distinguished service to Jamaica.  The recipient is styled ‘The Right Excellent’ and wears the insignia of the Order.

The motto of the Order, ‘He Built A City Which Hath Foundations’, is engraved on the insignia.

Jamaica currently honours one National Heroine and six Heroes:

1. Nanny of the Maroons (heroine);
2. Samuel Sharpe;
3. George William Gordon;
4. Paul Bogle;
5. Marcus Garvey;
6. Alexander Bustamante; and
7. Norman Manley.

The Right Excellent Nanny of the Maroons (affectionately known “Granny Nanny” or “Queen Nanny”)

Born in Ghana and died in Jamaica, Queen Nanny was a small, wiry woman with piercing eyes.  She was a leader of the Maroons in Jamaica at the beginning of the 18th century.

The defiant nature of the Maroons, led Nanny and her brothers (Accompong, Cudjoe, Johnny and Quao) to settle in the BlueMountain areas after they ran away from their plantation.  Known as an outstanding military leader, Granny Nanny played an integral role during the First Maroon War from 1720 to 1739, which was a fierce fight with the British.

The government of Jamaica declared Nanny a National Heroine in 1976.  Her portrait graces the $500 Jamaican note.

The Right Excellent Samuel Sharpe (affectionately known as “Daddy [Sam] Sharpe”; 1801 – 1832)

Sam Sharpe was an educated town slave.  He was also a preacher and spokesman.

In 1831, he was the main instigator of the most outstanding Slave Rebellion in Jamaica’s history.  The rebellion began on the Kensington Estate in St. James and was largely instrumental in bringing about the abolition of slavery.

Daddy [Sam] Sharpe was hanged on the 23^rd May 1832.  In 1834, the British Parliament passed the Abolition Bill and in 1838, slavery was abolished.

Daddy [Sam] Sharpe said:

“I would rather die upon yonder gallows than live in slavery.”

Sam Sharpe was declared a National Hero in 1975.  His portrait is on the $50 Jamaican note.

The Right Excellent George William Gordon (1820 – 1865)

His father was an attorney to several sugar estates in Jamaica and his mother – a slave.  Gordon, was self-educated and a landowner in the parish of St. Thomas.

George Gordon entered politics and urged the people to protest against and resist the oppressive and unjust conditions under which they were forced to live.  He faced severe odds, as the people whose interests he sought to serve did not qualify to vote.  He was not in agreement with the attempts to crush the spirit (by again reducing them to slavery) of the freed people of Jamaica.

Gordon was arrested and charged for complicity in what is now called the Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865.  He was illegally tried by Court Martial and in spite of a lack of evidence, convicted and sentenced to death.  He was subsequently executed.

On the centenary of his death (1965), he was proclaimed a National Hero.  His portrait graces the $10 Jamaican note (now $10 coin).

The Right Excellent Paul Bogle (died 1865)

The exact date of Paul Bogle’s birth is unknown, but it is believed that he was born a free man in about 1820 – 1822.  Bogle was a Baptist deacon in Stony Gut, a few miles north of MorantBay in St. Thomas.  He was generally regarded as a peaceful man who shunned violence.

He was eligible to vote at a time when there were only 104 voters in the parish of St. Thomas.  He was a firm political supporter of George William Gordon.

In 1865, Bogle led a protest march to the MorantBay courthouse.  The march was birthed out of the poverty and injustice in the society and the lack of public confidence in the central authority.

This protest march paved the way for the establishment of just practices in the courts and it also led to better social and economic conditions for the people.

Paul Bogle was declared a National Hero in 1969.  His portrait graced the $2 Jamaican note which is no longer in circulation.  His portrait is now on the $0.10 Jamaican coin.

The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887 – 1940)

Jamaica’s first National Hero was born in St. Ann’s Bay, St. Ann and died in London.

Garvey’s legacy can be summed up in the philosophy he taught – race pride, the need for African unity, self-reliance, the need for black people to be organised and for rulers to govern on behalf of the working classes.

During his career Garvey travelled extensively throughout many countries, observing the poor living and working conditions of black people.  In 1914 he started the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in Jamaica.  The UNIA eventually grew into an international organisation.  The organisation encouraged self-government for black people worldwide, self-help economic projects and protest against racial discrimination.

The government of Jamaica declared Marcus Garvey the first National Hero in 1964.  His portrait is on the $0.50 Jamaican note and coin.  However, both are no longer in circulation.  His portrait is now on both the $0.25 and $20 Jamaican coins.

The Right Excellent Sir William Alexander Bustamante (1884 – 1977)

Sir Bustamante was born in the parish of Hanover and was the first Prime Minister of Jamaica (1962 – 1967).  Lady Gladys Bustamante (nee Longbridge) and Sir Bustamante got married on the 7^th September 1962.

He travelled extensively as a young man, returning to Jamaica in 1932 and began to lead the struggle against colonial rule.  Known for his terse and telling phrases that cut to the quick of things, he shares the honour of being one of the two ‘Founding Fathers’ of Jamaica’s Independence.  This legacy is shared with his cousin Norman Washington Manley.

Alexander Bustamante was declared a National Hero in 1969.    His portrait graces the $1 Jamaican note (now $1 coin).

The Right Excellent Norman Washington Manley (1893 – 1969)

Norman Manley was born in the parish of Manchester.  He was an athlete, a soldier during the First World War and a Rhodes Scholar.  Manley became one of Jamaica’s leading lawyers in the 1920s.  He was married to Edna Swithenbank Manley who died in 1987 at the age of 86.

Manley, along with his cousin Alexander Bustamante fought for full adult suffrage in Jamaica.  They lead the country into independence.

His son, Michael Manley, went on to become the fourth Prime Minister of Jamaica.

Norman Manley was proclaimed a National Hero in 1969.  His portrait is on the $5 Jamaican dollar bill (now $5 dollar coin).

Other Jamaican currency that are no longer in circulation

For Jamaica to truly become a Nation on a Mission, I quote:

“It is imperative that we pause to reflect on our achievements and challenges over the first 50 years and commit ourselves to working together to ensure that the ensuing 50 years will be even more rewarding and beneficial to all of us.”

Related article: Jamaica – A Nation on a Mission (Part 1)

–Kaynijo

1864 – Slavery is abolished in Maryland.

1865 – Jamaican national hero, Paul Bogle leads a successful
        protest march to the Morant Bay Courthouse.  Poverty and
        injustice in Jamaican society and lack of public
        confidence in the central authority had urged Paul Bogle
        to lead the march.  A violent confrontation with official
        forces will follow the march, resulting in the death of
        nearly 500 people.  Many others will be flogged and
        punished before order is restored.  Paul Bogle will be
        captured and hanged on October 24, 1865.  His forceful
        demonstration will pave the way for the establishment of
        just practices in the courts and bring about a change in
        official attitude, making possible the social and economic
        betterment of the Jamaican people.

1882 – Robert Nathaniel Dett, is born in Ontario, Canada.  He will
        become an acclaimed concert pianist, composer, arranger,
        and choral conductor.  He will receive his musical
        education at the Oliver Willis Halstead Conservatory in
        Lockport, NY, Oberlin College (BM, 1908, composition and
        piano), and the Eastman School of Music (MM, 1938).  He
        will become President of the National Association of Negro
        Musicians from 1924-1926.  His teaching tenures will
        include Lane College in Tennessee, Lincoln Institute in
        Missouri, Bennett College in North Carolina, and Hampton
        Institute in Virginia.  It will be at Hampton Institute
        that he develops the choral ensembles which will receive
        international acclaim and recognition. He will join the
        ancestors on October 2, 1943, in Battle Creek, Michigan,
        after succumbing to congestive heart failure.

1887 – A. Miles registers a patent on an elevator.

1919 – Arthur “Art” Blakey is born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
        Blakey, a jazz drummer credited as one of the creators of
        bebop, will be best known as the founder of the Jazz
        Messengers. The band will become a proving ground for some
        of the best modern jazz musicians, including Horace Silver,
        Hank Mobely, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins,
        Wynton Marsalis, and Branford Marsalis. He will join the
        ancestors on October 16, 1990.

1939 – Coleman Hawkins records his famous “Body and Soul” in New
        York City.

1939 – The NAACP organizes the Education and Legal Defense Fund.

1972 – A major prison uprising occurs at the Washington, DC jail.

1976 – The United Nations Day of Solidarity with South Africa is
        declared by the membership of the United Nations.  A
        special day of solidarity is observed with the numerous
        political prisoners who are being held in South Africa.

1980 – Billie Thomas joins the ancestors after a heart attack in
        Los Angeles, California at the age of 49. He was an actor,
        most notable as the third child to portray Buckwheat in
        the Our Gang comedies, a role he played in some 80
        episodes of the popular film series.

1985 – President Reagan bans the importation of South African gold
        coins known as Krugerrands.

1991 – Redd Foxx (John Elroy Sanford), comedian (Sanford & Sons,
        Harlem Nights), joins the ancestors at the age of 68.

1994 – U.S. troops in Haiti take over the National Palace.

Information retrieved from the Munirah Chronicle and is edited by Rene’ A. Perry

“We heard the boom boom boom of the drums and the high, thin voices of the fifes as Deacon Bogle marched down from the north on Morant Bay town. We heard it in the morning that had suddenly become still. The noise of the sea had fallen away from the oncoming drums as if the waves had not been roaring at all.” Vic Reid, Sixty Five

The faces of Paul Bogle

Today, October 11, 2012 marks the 145th anniversary of the Morant Bay Rebellion when Paul Bogle and the people of Stony Gut rose up against injustice. It is his spirit, as it is the spirit of Nanny, Tacky and Sam Sharpe, the willingness to rebel, to refuse to die in “an inglorious lot” that has made Jamaica the country that it is, and more importantly, the country that it can become.

In tribute, I invoke the words of Alma Norma’s ‘Sixty Five’

The roads are rocky and the hills are steep,
The macca stretches and the gully’s deep.
The town is far, news travels slow.
And the mountain men have far to go.

Bogle took his cutlass at Stony Gut
And looked at the small heap of food he’d got
And he shook his head, and his thoughts were sad,
‘You can wuk like a mule but de crop still bad.’

Bogle got his men and he led them down
Over the hills to Spanish Town,
They chopped their way and they made a track
To the Governor’s house. But he sent them back.

As they trudged back home to Stony Gut
Paul’s spirit sank with each bush he cut,
For the thought of the hungry St Thomas men
Who were waiting for the message he’d bring to them.

They couldn’t believe that he would fail
And their anger rose when they heard his tale.
Then they told Paul Bogle of Morant Bay
And the poor man fined there yesterday.

Then Bogle thundered, ‘This thing is wrong.
They think we weak, but we hill en strong.
Rouse up yourself. We’ll march all night
To the Vestry house, and we’ll claim our right.’

The Monday morning was tropic clear
As the men from Stony Gut drew near,
Clenching their sticks in their farmer’s hand
To claim their rights in their native land.

Oh many mourned and many were dead
That day when the vestry flames rose red.
There was chopping and shooting and when it done
Paul Bogle and the men knew they had to run.

They ran for the bush were they hoped to hide
But the soldiers poured in from Kingston side.
They took their prisoners to Morant Bay
Where they hanged them high in the early day.

Paul Bogle died but his spirit talks
Anywhere in Jamaica that freedom walks,
Where brave men gather and courage thrills
As it did in those days in St Thomas hills.

Catch a Fire, an award winning documentary/drama produced by Barbadian Menelik Shabazz, that tells the story of Jamaican National Hero, Baptist minister Paul Bogle, leader of the Morant Bay Rebellion in Jamaica in 1865, is among the films now travelling throughout Cuba as part of the 4th Caribbean Cinema Travel Exhibition.  According to the Cuban News Agency, ACN, the exhibition began on May 10 in the province of Santiago de Cuba and will tour the island until July 5, when it will arrive in Havana and shown at the Chaplin movie theater.  (photo:  Menelik Shabazz)

Cuban producer Rigoberto Lopez, president and promoter of the Exhibition, explained to the ACN that the Exhibition was one of the most significant events in the region because it will travel to 31 countries and has overcome the language barrier.  The exhibition, which became a regional event on July 8, 2006, when its first edition was convened, compiles the best of the region’s cinematography and translates it into Spanish, English and French, its official languages, with the aim of preserving the audiovisual memory of the Caribbean in all of its diversity.

Frantz Voltaire, Norman de Palm and Bruce Paddington are some of the filmmakers that, under Lopez’s direction, have been part of the selection committee.

The Caribbean Diaspora

This 4^th Exhibition is dedicated to the Caribbean Diaspora, and its program includes 33 movies, documentaries, animated films, shorts and feature films, coming from several nations including Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Barbados, the United States, Haiti, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Cuba.

According to the Wikipedia, as a result of the rebellion the then Governor of Jamaica John Eyre “sent government troops, under Brigadier-General Alexander Nelson to hunt down the poorly armed rebels and bring Paul Bogle back to Morant Bay for trial. The troops were met with no organized resistance but killed blacks indiscriminately, many of whom had not been involved in the riot or rebellion: according to one soldier, “we slaughtered all before us… man or woman or child”. In the end, 439 black Jamaicans were killed directly by soldiers, and 354 more (including Paul Bogle) were arrested and later executed, some without proper trials. Paul Bogle was executed “either the same evening he was tried or the next morning.”  Other punishments included flogging for over 600 men and women (including some pregnant women), and long prison sentences.”

Paul Bogle is revered in the lyrics of many reggae artists, including the legendary Bob Marley in his song So Much Things to Say on the award-winning Exodus CD.

… But I’ll never forget no way: they crucified Je-sus Christ;
I’ll never forget no way, they sold Marcus Garvey for rice.
I’ll never forget no way, they turned their back on Paul Bogle.
So don’t you forget , no way, …
Who you are and where you stand in the struggle…

Source:  Cuban News Agency

YESCuba News
June 27, 2012
Kingston, Jamaica

Two days before he was scheduled to play at a concert called Smile Jamaica in Kingston, the capital of his home country, Bob Marley was shot. So were his wife, Rita, and two others who happened to be at the Marley home at the time.

The identity of the perpetrator still is up for debate, but some sources point a finger at the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Former CIA officer Phillip Agee, in the Marley documentary “Rebel Music,” confirms that Bob’s style of music may have gotten him into trouble: “The CIA would look upon the radical political content of reggae as dangerous because it would help to create a consciousness among the poor people, the great majority of Jamaicans.”

Whatever the case, Marley performed as scheduled on Dec. 5, 1976, then did what any sensible person would do: got the hell out of Jamaica. He settled in England, regrouped with band members including the legendary sibling rhythm section of Aston “Family Man” Barrett on bass and Carlton Barrett.

The result often is cited as one of the greatest albums of all time, with Time magazine calling it the most important album of the 20th century.

With “Exodus,” Marley certainly presents a revealing document of the Jamaican experience, particularly on the hard-edged title track, an epic that equates his countrymen’s situation with that of the Biblical Israelites: “Open your eyes and look within/Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?/We know where we’re going, we know where we’re from/We’re leaving Babylon, y’all, we’re going to our father’s land.”

Of course, Marley had taken strong political stances before, especially with “Get Up, Stand Up” and “I Shot the Sheriff” on the Wailers’ “Burnin’,” which many an aficionado prefers to “Exodus.” What gives the latter album an advantage is its crafting of a series of eminently accessible songs, transforming reggae from esoteric Caribbean music to the mainstream.

Whether that’s a good thing is in the eye of the beholder. But “Exodus” helped lift Marley to international star status, with his stature showing no signs of waning three-and-a-half decades later. (His early death and association with ganja don’t hurt matters, either.)

The music, though, is what counts, and “Exodus” is as strong a set as Marley ever delivered.

“Natural Mystic” starts proceedings with a sense of foreboding, as Bob pulls no punches in describing conditions in Jamaica: “Many more will have to suffer, many more will have to die, don’t ask me why/Things are not the way they used to be, I won’t tell no lie, one and all have to face reality now.”

Despite an upbeat tempo and chord structure, “So Much Things to Say” reveals further consternation, drawing on historical and contemporary figures of unjust punishment: “But I’ll never forget, no way, they crucified Jesus Christ/I’ll never forget, no way, they stole Marcus Garvey for rights/I’ll never forget, no way, they turned their back on Paul Bogle.” (History lesson: Bogle was a Baptist deacon who was executed by the British government for his part in Jamaica’s Morant Bay Rebellion in 1865. His image is on the country’s 10-cent coin.)

“Guiltiness” returns to a minor key, emphasized by a horn section, and continues the theme Marley made famous with “I shot the sheriff” of oppressors vs. the oppressed: “These are the big fish who always try to eat down the small fish, just the small fish/I tell you what, they would do anything to materialize their every wish.”

An ominous riff drives “The Heathen,” another call to the downtrodden: “Rise up fallen fighters, rise and take your stance again/’Tis he who fight and run away, live to fight another day.”

Perhaps the most well-known song on “Exodus” has reached that status through exposure that has nothing to do with the song’s message. “Jamming” has been used by the National Basketball Association with its promotional material for seven-foot men stuffing balls through hoops. NBA fans probably aren’t aware of some of the lyrics: “No bullet can stop us now, we neither beg nor we won’t bow, neither can be bought nor sold/We all defend the right, Jah children must unite, your life is worth much more than gold.”

The latter part of “Exodus” does seem to lighten the mood a bit with upbeat compositions that have become Marley favorites: the love song “Waiting in Vain,” the atmospheric “Turn Your Lights Down Low” and the melodically optimistic “Three Little Birds.” Closing the album is “One Love,” best remembered for its “Let’s get together and feel all right” line. But Marley can’t help but to include a call for divine retribution: “Let’s get together and fight this Holy Armageddon/So when the Man comes there will be no, no doom/Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner/There ain’t no hiding place from the Father of Creation.”

In 1981, cancer did the job that assassins couldn’t do five years earlier. Reggae still has its strong adherents, but it seems unlikely that anyone ever will take Jamaican music to the place Bob Marley did in his relatively brief lifetime.

The copy taken from a tin type is the officially accepted image of National Hero Paul Bogle. In V.S Reid's Sixty Five it is captioned as such: "The above photograph of a tintype which, though not absolutely authenticated, appears to the Jamaica Historical Society to be a genuine portrait".

Paul Bogle, 148 years after his death, is still embroiled in a struggle. Bogle is one of our original rebels and a defining character in who we are as Jamaicans. His historic march from Stony Gut, St. Thomas to Spanish Town (and back) and the resulting 1865 revolt was repaid in kind by the then colonial government with his being hanged. It seemed that his being raised to the status of national hero when Jamaica gained independence should have been a salve on the wound. Yet now we add insult to that old injury by being unable decide who he is, or at least what he looked like. In this the year of Jamaica marks its 50th year of independence, this is a woeful state.

The issue came to my attention through FaceBook (as do most things these days – unless I noticed it on Twitter). I came across three postings which noted that Jamaica’s officially accepted image of national hero Paul Bogle is also the being used as the image of American inventor Thomas Jennings.

For ease of reference, the image in question is the one which had been used on the $2 note and which now graces the 10cent coin (for those of you born after 1990 yes there used to be a $2 note – see Damian Marley’s ‘Welcome to Jamrock” as reference “…before Bogle start dance and deh pon paper money”. The note was discontinued circa 1989.) The issue of Bogle’s monetary demotion (which incidentally also resulted in the removal of that awesome question that accompanied the flipping of a coin – “ackee or toto?” – now we like everyone else have to ask “head or tail”. Of course we could also say Bogle or Toto,) is a matter that deserves its own post. Suffice it to say, with the current state of the Jamaican dollar, the 10 cent coin is largely ignored, which means that Bogle is becoming a figure less and less remembered. (And yes, I realize that Garvey shares an equally ignominious monetary fate.)

The Two Dollar note which once held the image of Paul Bogle was taken out of circulation circa 1989

Based on the comments posted on the FB threads, many immediately assumed that the Jamaican researchers must have got it wrong. I find that, in and of itself, disturbing. Why did so many people assume that the assertion that the image is that of Thomas Jennings must be the right one, and we had all fallen for a big lie? Interestingly, the National Library of Jamaica and the National Gallery of Jamaica argue that as Jennings had died before the tintype technology was invented, it is easy to prove that Jennings cannot be the man in the image. David Boxer of the NGJ highlights that it is not merely a similarity of images as it appears the the image being used for Bogle and for Jennings is from the same source.

The question of whether Bogle is the man in the picture, is a different kettle of chicken.  Boxer says that the original tintype photo (now lost) allegedly came to the Institute of Jamaica through a researcher from the Jamaica Historical Society who went to Stony Gut seeking an image of Bogle. However, the image has never been fully authenticated, and has in the past been captioned as such. Boxer believes that there is a good chance that the image is not that of Paul Bogle, but may well be an image of his son or another relative. He notes that the picture would have had to be taken in 1864-65 when Bogle was in his 40s, but the man in the image appears to be younger. Of course, maybe Bogle just aged really well. Edna Manley is among those who rejected the image, instead choosing to base her 1965 Paul Bogle monument on her gardener. Manley’s decision has resulted in its own furor among the people of St. Thomas, including some of Bogle’s relatives, who see Manley’s action as a blatant insult and insist that the monument is not representative and cannot be returned to its former place before the Morant Bay Court House.

But whether or not the tintype Bogle is the real image is now in the main moot. The world accepts artistic impressions all the time. Let’s face it, given the location of Jerusalem, the chance that Jesus was a skinny white man is pretty slim. But for many years it is the only image that many of us knew, and for many of us it remains enough. In the case of our heroes, we have only artistic interpretations of Nanny and Sam Sharpe to rely on. So whether we believe like Boxer that the Bogle picture is a “justified concoction in the national interest” or that the picture is that of our National Hero, our nation has the duty to protect that image.

The issue with the Bogle image therefore questions whether we are doing enough as a country to protect the legacy, contributions, image (real or imagined) of our heroes. How can we simply allow others to appropriate an image we have accepted as that of our national hero without even a whimper?

Officialdom generally honours our heroes on their birthday and on Heroes Day. By honour I mean we lay a wreath and have a one hour function (usually at heroes park). As the birthdays of Nanny, Sam Sharpe, Bogle and George William Gordon are unknown they are only honoured in the general ceremony on Heroes Day (which is also celebrated as Nanny Day by the Maroons).

Bogle’s plight I believe (and I await correction from either the Jamaica National Heritage Trust or the NLJ and will update the post should it arrive) seems special. At least with George William Gordon, we may have sold off Mutual Life but the Cherry Gardens Great House (and numerous images) remain. In the case of Sam Sharpe the Burchell Baptist church where he once preached was rebuilt by the JNHT. There remain remnants of Nanny Town and in Moore Town there is Bump Grave. Bogle’s church, home and much of the village he once lived in were razed in retribution for the revolt. Even the original road leading to Stony Gut no longer exists, and the Morant Bay Court House was (not so recently) lost to fire and with the country’s continued economic woes, who knows if or when it will be rebuilt. Indeed, if we take the roads leading from St. Thomas as any indication, it appears we have given up on that parish. So Bogle is left with a contested monument and a plaque at the place that used to be Stony Gut.

This means that should we lose custody of this photo, Bogle’s legacy will be plunged into even further depths of abstraction. The value of the internet as the route to knowledge (if you do not know it, Google it) means that Jamaica must officially counter the use of this image to represent Jennings and ensure that it is stopped.

There has been much talk about the return of Civics to the school curriculum, which some argue will create greater patriotism. In my view, the return of Civics will simply give children one more class to be bored to death in. What is of greater urgency is fixing the ways we remember our heroes, removing ignorance where possible and allowing them to become a part of popular culture. We cannot ignore the contribution that Reggae has played in keeping Marcus Garvey relevant even in the face of the Ministry of Education’s woeful behaviour. Indeed, Bogle’s appearance in literary fiction is one of his greatest saviours. His exploits were captured in Alma Norma’s poem ‘Ballad of Sixty Five’ and (to some degree in V.S. Reid’s Sixty Five (which is on my to-read list). Both of these however are no longer widely used in schools. Norman Manley and Alexander Bustamante have the two political parties to protect their legacies. However, it appears that our other heroes may well be at risk of becoming endangered memories, and it seems that Bogle is highest on the list.

The New York Premiere of critically acclaimed documentary film, BOB MARLEY: THE MAKING OF A LEGEND with VIP Reception featuring Guest Speaker, the First Lady of Jamaica, Mrs. Lorna Golding was a huge success, Michele Adams reports in The Examiner.

The event was held on Friday, August 26, 2011 at Tribeca Cinemas in Manhattan. The New York Premiere was the result of a partnership between the Caribbean Education Foundation, Inc. (CEF) and Filmmakers, Esther Anderson, the Oscar-nominated (A Warm December with Sidney Poitier) and NAACP Award-winning Jamaican Actress and Gian Godoy. It was held as a Benefit to raise funds for CEF Paul Bogle Scholarships, which enables brilliant, poor children to attend public high schools in Jamaica.

The Benefit commenced with a stellar VIP RECEPTION with Open Bar featuring splendid Hennessy Cocktails and Terrazas Wines sponsored by Moët Hennessy USA; delicious Caribbean Cuisine catered by Negril Village Restaurant and a Silent Auction including rare, limited edition photographs of Bob Marley; Boxing Glove signed by Legendary Muhammad Ali and “Thriller Album” autographed by The King of Pop, Michael Jackson. As usual, the Hennessy service was impeccable.

The event Guest Speaker, Mrs. Lorna Golding presented a compelling speech on the critical importance of educating all children throughout Jamaica and the Caribbean region. In line with the Benefit theme of “Achieving Meaningful Independence by Educating our Youth,” Mrs. Golding not only discussed how an educated populace will enhance each country and region, but how vital it is in our interdependent global world.

The feature presentation, BOB MARLEY: The Making of a Legend film lived up to its highly anticipated billing and fanfare! The film showed priceless footage of Bob Marley, The King of Reggae, “lost for more than 30 years” during his early years, before he became famous. According to guests, “It was a total pleasure to see a rare and priceless glimpse of Bob the man, before the Legend and iconic status.” An attendee remarked, “To see Bob Marley in a real-life fashion in those so very early days, just being Bob, is more than WORDS can convey. I am too grateful to have been at the screening. Big Thanks to Esther Anderson and Gian Godoy for creating such a compelling documentary and kudos to Nikiki Bogle and the CEF for promoting it.” Indeed, for a brief moment, the audience was transported to a time when Bob Marley was traveling throughout Jamaica with Esther Anderson and writing lyrics for what would become platinum songs. Refreshingly, viewers received previously unknown insights into the inspirations behind the “Burnin’ Album” and Blockbuster songs, such as: “I Shot the Sheriff” and “Get Up, Stand Up”. One can understand why this film has been nominated for a UNESCO Award.

Filmmakers, Esther Anderson and Gian Godoy flew in from London to attend the Benefit and provide overview of the film as well as question and answers to attendees. Esther Anderson was also co-founder of Island Records with Chris Blackwell, managing Bob Marley & the Wailers during the 1970s, propelling the group to stardom.

During the VIP Reception, Special Guest, the Honorable Eric A. Stevenson from New York State Assembly, 79th District remarked about the importance of education. In addition, Assemblyman Stevenson presented a New York State Assembly Citation to Nikiki T. Bogle, Esq., the Founder and President of the Caribbean Education Foundation. In discussing the Honor, Ms. Bogle stated, “Many of us who do human rights work do not expect recognition or thank you. Personally, I do it because it is the right thing to do. I feel deeply that I must do something to help, however small, to make the world more just, particularly for innocent children who are our future. Therefore, for Assemblyman Stevenson to present me with this Citation from the New York State Assembly, it is a wonderful surprise and a tremendous honor! I am humbled and grateful that CEF’s efforts to help provide meaningful access to education for poor children are being recognized.”
The Caribbean Education Foundation, Inc. (CEF) is a registered (501)(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization based in United States. It operates with a dedicated team comprised entirely of volunteers. While the organization works with all levels of education, its focus is to enable high school students in financial need to have meaningful access to quality education in its current mission country of Jamaica. CEF awards “Paul Bogle Scholarships” to brilliant, poor children so they are able to attend public high schools. The Paul Bogle Scholarships pay school fees, purchase text books, school supplies, uniforms, meals and transportation.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the BOB MARLEY: The Making of a Legend Film Screening and VIP Reception is funding the 2011 Paul Bogle Scholarships for students in Jamaica entering high schools in Grade 7 and renewing awards for 2010 recipients who entering Grade 8 in September 2011-2012 school year. The CEF 2011 Paul Bogle Scholarship Award recipients will be announced this month.

For more information, please visit the CEF website at http://www.educatechilld.org.

For the original report go to New York Premiere of Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend – - A Huge Success – New York Caribbean Music | Examiner.com

Asalaamu’Alaykum, I am Paul Bogle
Thus spoke the local, someone had to be vocal
Now my soul sings, of old things
Cycles of history, choke like cold rings
“Old Noose hung low from the ‘cotton tree’
Entertainment for you, martyrdom for me”
All I was but a lowly deacon,
Yet I saw the words of one brown skin as a beacon
Gordon, I have put forth my grievance!
Go home, and let us all be freed men!
Oh no! They’re soldiers are streaking
800 lives, men, women and children…
Slaughtered, red carpet rolled out for martyrs
Reflection in palm, see Abbas cast away water
I hold up the flag of independence and freedom
Hussain could not submit to man like Yazeed then,
How could I submit to this British bullshit?
Only question on trial, whether to noose me or bullets?
John Eyre reptilian, Ibn Ziyad mold
What his men would do, make good blood run cold
Captured, made spectacle, spectators burned
My sisters and brothers, ashes scatter, no urns
No life sacred, under that old cotton tree
Entertainment for you, martyrdom for me
Through my death you will learn of the family’s name
Insha’Allah my blood flows for the blood of Hussain

This is the sound made of many voices—
The downtrodden, oppressed and exploited
Left without choice, save the greatest resistance
Revolution, an ablution from the sweat of persistence

Professor A.L.I. aka Black Steven

Please join us for an exciting discussion on Edna Manley’s Bogle monument and the controversy that has surrounded it. This event was rescheduled from its original date of October 14.

Press release

Edna Manley - Paul Bogle (1965), Photograph: Amador Packer

LET US HEAR FROM YOU!

Since Independence, there have been several controversies about public monuments in Jamaica, starting in 1963 with the proposed National Monument for the Harbour View Roundabout, which was to be designed and sculpted by Alvin Marriott but which was never completed as a result. The other controversies pertained to Edna Manley’s Bogle (1965), Christopher Gonzales’ Bob Marley (1983) and Laura Facey’s Redemption Song (2003).

By far the most protracted controversy has been about the Bogle monument, which started at the time of its  1965 unveiling in front of the Morant Bay Courthouse, had resurfaced in 1971,  and flared up again in 2009, after the statue had been moved to Kingston for restoration.  A group of Morant Bay stakeholders requested that the monument should not be returned and replaced by a new monument, based on Paul Bogle’s presumed “true likeness” – the photograph reproduced below. The matter remains unresolved and the NGJ has made use of the presence of the recently restored statue in Kingston to present an exhibition on the subject, which opens on September 23 and continues until November 13.

Unknown photographer - portrait of Bogle (?), c1865?, copied from original tintype

The primary purpose of the Edna Manley’s Bogle: A Contest of Icon exhibition is to present the latest information on the subject and to encourage productive discussion. Therefore, we want to hear from you and invite you to post your comments to this blog and/or to participate in the poll below.

While we respect all opinions, it should be noted that comments will be moderated and that statements that violate our community standards may not be published.

You can read more about the current controversy about the Bogle monument by clicking the following links:

• Commentaries by Carolyn Cooper, Devon Dick, Barbara Gloudon and David Boxer.
• March 15, 2010 Observer report
• March 16, 2010 Observer editorial
• March 21, 2010 Observer report

Thank you for participating in this discussion!

The National Gallery of Jamaica has just announced its upcoming exhibition titled Edna Manley’s Bogle: A Contest of Icons, which will open to the public on Sunday, September 26.

This research-based exhibition examines the iconographies of Paul Bogle and the 1865 Morant Bay Rebellion, with a specific focus on Edna Manley’s Bogle monument and the assumed photograph of Paul Bogle. The photograph was uncovered in the late 1950s and, while there are unresolved questions about its attribution, has become the de facto official representation of Paul Bogle. Edna Manley’s Bogle was unveiled in 1965 as the official monument to the Morant Bay rebellion and was located in front of the historic Morant Bay courthouse until it was recently removed for restoration. A second, truncated version can be seen in the 1865 Memorial at National Heroes Park in Kingston.

Already at the time of its unveiling in 1965, Edna Manley’s Bogle met with controversy – as has been the case with several other public monuments in Jamaica – and the debate has again flared up recently. The relationship between Edna Manley’s symbolist representation of Bogle and what is believed to be his “true likeness” in the photograph has played a significant role in these debates – the “contest of icons” of the exhibition title. The exhibition will also include other representations of Bogle, the Morant Bay Rebellion and related subjects, in official representations, such as postal stamps, coins and bank notes, as well as the work of other Jamaican artists, such as Barrington Watson, Everald Brown, Mallica “Kapo” Reynolds, Christopher Gonzales, Omari Ra, and Michael Thompson.

Edna Manley’s Bogle: A Contest of Icons seeks to contribute to the debates that have surrounded the representation of Bogle and the Morant Bay rebellion and will have an interactive component: members of the public will be encouraged to share their thoughts on the subject in a special comments book in the exhibition itself or online at the NGJ blog.

The opening function on Sunday, September 26 will start at 11 am and the guest speaker will be the Hon. Barbara Gloudon, O.J. Mrs. Gloudon has, in her journalistic practice, regularly commented on the controversies that have surrounded public monuments in Jamaica, including Edna Manley’s Bogle.

Edna Manley’s Bogle: A Contest of Icons will continue until November 13, 2010. The exhibition will thus be on view during Heritage Week and represents the National Gallery’s contribution to the 2010 Heritage Week program. A catalogue publication with research essays will be available and the accompanying education program will be announced shortly.

For more go to http://nationalgalleryofjamaica.wordpress.com/2010/09/10/press-release-edna-manleys-bogle-a-contest-of-icons/

Edna Manley - Bogle (1965), Photograph: David Boxer, 1970

The National Gallery of Jamaica is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition titled Edna Manley’s Bogle: A Contest of Icons, which will open to the public on Sunday, September 26.

This research-based exhibition examines the iconographies of Paul Bogle and the 1865 Morant Bay Rebellion, with a specific focus on Edna Manley’s Bogle monument and the assumed photograph of Paul Bogle. The photograph was uncovered in the late 1950s and, while there are unresolved questions about its attribution, has become the de facto official representation of Paul Bogle. Edna Manley’s Bogle was unveiled in 1965 as the official monument to the Morant Bay rebellion and was located in front of the historic Morant Bay courthouse until it was recently removed for restoration. A second, truncated version can be seen in the 1865 Memorial at National Heroes Park in Kingston.

Unknown photographer - Paul Bogle (?), copied from original tintype

Already at the time of its unveiling in 1965, Edna Manley’s Bogle met with controversy – as has been the case with several other public monuments in Jamaica – and the debate has again flared up recently. The relationship between Edna Manley’s symbolist representation of Bogle and what is believed to be his “true likeness” in the photograph has played a significant role in these debates – the “contest of icons” of the exhibition title. The exhibition will also include other representations of Bogle, the Morant Bay Rebellion and related subjects, in official representations, such as postal stamps, coins and bank notes, as well as the work of other Jamaican artists, such as Barrington Watson, Everald Brown, Mallica “Kapo” Reynolds, Christopher Gonzales, Omari Ra, and Michael Thompson.

Mallica "Kapo" Reynolds - Paul Bogle (1952), Larry Wirth Collection, NGJ

Edna Manley’s Bogle: A Contest of Icons seeks to contribute to the debates that have surrounded the representation of Bogle and the Morant Bay rebellion and will have an interactive component: members of the public will be encouraged to share their thoughts on the subject in a special comments book in the exhibition itself or online at the NGJ blog (“Call for comments” post is forthcoming on September 26).

The opening function on Sunday, September 26 will start at 11 am and the guest speaker will be the Hon. Barbara Gloudon, O.J.. Mrs. Gloudon has, in her journalistic practice, regularly commented on the controversies that have surrounded public monuments in Jamaica, including Edna Manley’s Bogle.

Edna Manley’s Bogle: A Contest of Icons will continue until November 13, 2010. The exhibition will thus be on view during Heritage Week and represents the National Gallery’s contribution to the 2010 Heritage Week programme. A catalogue publication with research essays will be available and the accompanying education programme will be announced shortly.

Photograph of the Bogle monument: courtesy of Maria LaYacona

Edna Manley, Bogle (1965), photographed in 1970 by David Boxer

There has been much controversy, recently, about Edna Manley’s 1965 Paul Bogle monument, which was for nearly forty years located in front of the Morant Bay Court House, where it served as a monument to the Jamaican National Hero Paul Bogle and the 1865 Morant Bay Rebellion.  The monument had been damaged by vandals and weakened by the 2007 Morant Bay Courthouse fire and was taken to Kingston for restoration. Stakeholders in the Morant Bay community have however opposed its return and demanded its replacement with another monument that would be a “true likeness” of Bogle, based on a presumed photograph of him. This request subsequently received the support of the St. Thomas Parish Council and the KSAC. The future location of Edna Manley’s Bogle Statue is currently under debate.

The current controversy is the third such episode around this monument: the first one occurred at the time of the unveiling in 1965 and the second in the early 1970s. The debate about  the Bogle monument is one of several controversies that have surrounded public monuments in Jamaica in the post-Independence period – the controversies about the  1983 Bob Marley statue by Christopher Gonzalez and the 2003 Redemption Song/Emancipation by Laura Facey are the two other main examples.

This post, which was written by NGJ Chief Curator David Boxer, is adapted from “Edna Manley’s Bogle: Creation of an Icon,” a  NGJ exhibition and publication in preparation, which will examine the creation of Edna Manley’s Bogle and the debates that have surrounded it.

In 1964 when Edna Manley was commissioned to do the statue of Paul Bogle in preparation for the commemoration of the centenary of the Morant Bay Rebellion, she was faced with a common problem that has faced countless artists who are required to make a representational image of a historic figure for which no true and acceptable likeness is available. For unlike the established image of George William Gordon, the other National Hero who was also executed in the aftermath of the Morant Bay rebellion, there was no accepted image of Bogle. A few years before she worked on the commission, an image had surfaced which was purported to be of Bogle but there were many who questioned its authenticity.

Edna Manley - Paul Bogle (1965), Photograph: Amador Packer

Among the doubters was Edna Manley. She didn’t sense what she knew of Bogle in the image and it seemed curiously at odds with the often quoted physical descriptions of Bogle. One of these had described Bogle as “very black, shiny of skin, heavy marks of smallpox on face, especially on nose…large mouth, red thick lips; about five feet eight inches tall, broad shoulders… no whiskers.” Not much to go on and she knew she would not be interested in the pock marks. She was after all creating a symbol of a hero and idealization would be expected. The one thing which this description gave her was the sculpture’s colour, its patina. It needed to be black. A rich shiny black.

There is a story that she sought out the descendents of Bogle and that she met his grandson. Is this apocryphal? Perhaps not. It is entirely logical that she would have made attempts to find the closest blood descendent. There are some drawings of a man’s head in one of her sketchbooks associated with the Bogle studies. He is bearded and his hair is long. Could these be of Bogle’s grandson?  This is being investigated as there is no mention of this grandson in her diaries.

She does however record meeting an old woman at Stony Gut who kept repeating the phrase “But Bogle was a BOLD man.” And she asks herself the question, “what does a BOLD man look like?”  Her answers would shape the form and head of her hero, and since no “portrait” could be achieved she would have to create a composite symbol of this bold black man. At first she allowed him to hold the machete with one hand. The other arm is pressed close to his side. She had doubts. He was stiff like a sentry on duty.

Edna Manley - Bogle Maquette I (1965), Collection: National Gallery of Jamaica

She visited the Morant Bay courthouse again and again. She carefully drew it and allowed its emanations to guide her imaginative spirit. The Courthouse’s modest but perfectly proportioned architecture was firmly imprinted on her imagination. Aesthetically sculpture and architecture needed to relate. She did a second maquette raising the elbows and giving to the sculpture a new commanding openness and a new bilateral symmetry that would allow it to be centrally placed in front of the fully bilaterally symmetrical architectural form.

The courthouse thus becomes an integral part of the complex composite symbol that was evolving. Key to the new conception was the implanting of another symbol on the sculpture: that of the Christian cross. Deacon Bogle, head of the Native Baptist Church in Stony Gut, was to be a bold Christian martyr. The machete, now centralized and establishing the cruciform, takes on the symbolism of the sword here imparting its traditional meanings as both a symbol of the administration of justice and the attribute of the Christian martyr. This is the sword of the spirit that Ephesians 6:17 urges on those who would be Christian Soldiers.

The head is somewhat flattened and proportionately enlarged allowing for its symbolic morphology to be more easily read.  Her earlier visionary heads of the Dying God series of the early forties and the more recent Brother Man drawings, taken from life, form the basis of this highly conceptual head. And perhaps there is the memory of Bogle’s grandson in it. The eyes are enlarged not into the fully blown “sun eyes” of her rising sun-gods, but suns nonetheless, brimming now not with the rage of the rebellion’s leader, but with the force and deep gaze of prophecy. The forehead is furrowed into an expansive knitted brow-scape of deep intellectual intensity and fiery determination. The other features, the nose, the mouth, the hair are emphatically black features. This was to be the first Jamaican monument to a black man and she would not shrink from her responsibility. This had to be the figure and head of a BOLD, BLACK, MAN …

The National Gallery is currently researching, and will be presenting a special exhibition Edna Manley’s Bogle: Creation of an Icon, which is expected to open shortly before Independence Day and to run until National Heroes week.

David Boxer

1963 US stamp celebrating the abolition of slavery

Post Abolition is created in partnership with the Sands of Time Consultancy. It features over 30 designs, together with new stamps created by students from Barnet College as part of a community project with the Museum.  Key stamps in the display include a 1965 Jamaican stamp marking Paul Bogle and the Morant Bay uprising. Also featured are the ‘Black Heritage’ series of stamps launched in 1978 by the US Postal Service featuring Harriet Tubman, known as the Moses of her people for helping men and women escape from the American slave states.

Tom Wareham, Curator at the Museum of London Docklands, said: “The great thing about these stamps is that they are not just miniature works of art, they also convey what the abolition of slavery has come to mean to people in different parts of the world. This display highlights the subtle messages and symbolism often contained within the designs.”

Nigel Sadler from the Sands of Time Consultancy said: “These stamps feature people who fought for freedom, rebellion leaders who died for independence together with iconic images of emancipation and life on the plantations. Stamps providing a history of slavery and its abolition commemoration are a rare sight in museum exhibitions. Sands of Time Consultancy is pleased to have been able to support the Museum of London Docklands with this display to coincide with London 2010: Festival of Stamps.”

The exhibition runs from 18 January – 30 June 2010. There are also a number of related events taking place. For more details on opening times and how to get there, please visit the Museum of London Docklands website.

It is the eve of Independence … the 46th for this country, Jamaica – Land we should love and I cannot help but reflect on an article I read in the Jamaica Observer last week. It was, without a doubt the greatest piece of rubbish I had read in the newspapers in a long time – though in fairness to the writer (whose name I’m glad to have forgotten) I haven’t read the newspapers in a long time with the exception of getting my Calvin and Hobbes fix.

So, this gentleman, armed with a thick hide of ignorance proceeds to lambast all those who would propose to teach patois, or Jamaican Creole in schools. The writing is indeed awesome, as piling such nonsense atop other nonsense must be an enviable skill and cannot come accidentally. Clearly having misread V.S Naipaul (who at least backs his venom with sterling literary skill) he remarks that patois was not built upon ancient architecture but was instead crafted by people who were not able to benefit from instruction in their native language nor in the tongue of their masters. It seems then, that all other languages must have fallen from the sky in a manna-esque fashion. This cannot be an argument made in defense of English – a language that has borrowed so heavily it confuses it self!

Furthermore, this writer clearly has no grasp of the full impact of language and the value of beginning linguistic instruction in the mother tongue which provides a good base upon which other languages can be built. Let’s face it, Jamaica needs to be multilingual. English alone cannot be our salvation, and fully allowing our children to understand English begins by valuing their first language.

The article was probably inspired by the announcement that the Bible Association of Jamaica intends to translate The Good Book into patois. I say, kudos to them. Those who object to the Bible being translated into patois are probably still under the illusion that Jesus and Shakespeare spoke the same language. Though it might irk some people, it must be realized the “Verily, Verily I say unto thee…” is indeed a translation. The article further highlights the brilliance of British colonization, that 46 years after Independence we still suffer from such feelings of inferiority, such a mis/understanding of ourselves and the contributions that this country has made to the world.

I caught the revue Season Rice (written by Amba Chevannes and Karl Williams and directed by Michael Daley) recently. Season Rice featured sketches with two of our national heroes – Paul Bogle and Nanny of the Maroons. These sketches, hilarious pieces which lampoon modern Jamaica while attempting to contrast it with the modern situation, come to mind now. In the piece with Paul Bogle (played by Rodney Campbell) the statue attempts to correct the ills of the contemporary Jamaica – offering a swift kick in the butt where necessary only to be shunted off to storage. I had a few problems with the piece on Nanny, as the sketch spoofed her as well, and I thought that the hilarity of a roadside hairdresser attempting to bleach out Nanny’s dark complexion (cause “maroon naaw wear again) would be even more hilarious if Nanny was played stronger and straight.

Nonetheless, the sketches highlight how irrelevant our heroes and their sacrifices have become to contemporary Jamaicans as we attempt to chase the not too mighty (Jamaican at least) dollar and shove it down the constantly hungry throats of the SUVs clogging the streets. Maybe, these heroes can no longer help us. We give token credence and memory to Sam, Norman, Paul, Nanny, Marcus, George, and Alexander, but we pay them no real heed. We cannot seem to see what their sacrifice and work has to do with us.

Maybe then we should look to Batman. The Dark Knight has done so much for Gotham, including sacrificing his own status as hero. And clearly, Jamaica is filled with too many jokers, even more menacing than Heath Ledger’s performance. More than any other superhero, it is Batman whom we may need. Yet, Natalie Barnes was certainly on to something with her Justice League painting which portrayed popular figures in Jamaica as varying Super Friends. Of course, if she is, not even Batman may be able to help us.

Alas, as Jamaica prepares o celebrate its 46th year of Independence with the return of the street parade and grand gala, we might consider that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, one that will not blind us, but will instead give clarity. Maybe, the ignorance spewed forth in the article mentioned above is in the minority. Maybe, the strong sense of self witnessed in our culture is not an illusion or veneer. Maybe, the violence ripping our country apart has nothing to do with self-hate, or poverty, or hopelessness. But then again, I still believe in Sam, Paul, Nanny, George, Alexander, Marcus, Norman and Batman.