October 11 is the true Emancipation Day

THE EDITOR, Madam:

On October 11, I marched with our brothers and sisters from Stony Gut to Morant Bay (seven miles). We reminded ourselves of the road taken by Paul Bogle and the great freedom fighters, when on October 11, 1865, they journeyed to Morant Bay, which led to the beginning of the Morant Bay War – The Blacks vs Whites (and their puppets).

This March was led by Constantine Bogle, the great-great-grandson of Paul Bogle. Even more beautiful, was a group of young brothers and sisters, who took on the task of walking from Stony Gut to Spanish Town (40 miles), on that day.

Our people must be reminded that in August of 1865, the Hon Paul Bogle and the warriors marched from Stony Gut to Spanish Town, to speak with Governor Eyre, who refused to meet with them.

In our March, on October 11, we passed the Paul Bogle High School and the Jamaica-China Goodwill Infant School. It was a powerful joy to see how the children came out and danced to the beat of the Kumina drums, especially the girls.

The headmaster of the Paul Bogle High School came and informed us that it was his intention to set up a Paul Bogle Museum, and that the Paul Bogle Foundation should provide a bust of Paul Bogle, carved in stone, along with books.

The day was a great day for me, as I regard October 11 as my Emancipation Day. I will never accept August 1, which is the day that the Queen of England says we are free. It was because of the victories of my ancestors over the white colonialists that forced England to abolish chattel slavery.

To accept the Queen’s day is to disrespect my great ancestors, who shed their blood, to give us certain rights and freedom.

RAS MIGUEL LORNE