Sam Sharpe Institute of Public Affairs and Caribbean Thought looming on the horizon, says Lloyd B Smith

Western Bureau:

Renowned publisher Lloyd B. Smith, who is also a former president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says work is under way to establish the Sam Sharpe Institute of Public Affairs and Caribbean Thought (SSIPA-CT) in honour of National Hero Samuel Sharpe.

Smith told The Gleaner that this historic and significant endeavour is being undertaken in collaboration with Dr Patrick Prendergast, who heads the Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC), and other key stakeholders such as the Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College and the Calvary Baptist Church, historian Shalman Scott and South St James Member of Parliament Homer Davis.

“We hope to have an official launch by December 27 this year, using that day to bring national and international focus on what is to be achieved from the Sam Sharpe Institute of Public Affairs and Caribbean Thought,” Smith revealed.

December 27 was declared Sam Sharpe Day by a proclamation from Governor General Sir Patrick Allen four years ago. This date is significant as it marks the start of the 1831 slave rebellion, which had Sam Sharpe at the forefront.

Smith, who emphasised the importance of bringing greater appreciation to the work and worth of Samuel Sharpe, particularly regarding the freedom Jamaicans now enjoy, noted that there needs to be an institution that collects all necessary historical data on Sam Sharpe and puts it in proper perspective, as many stories about him remain questionable in terms of factual accuracy.

“The SSIPA-CT will not just deal with Sam Sharpe but will use what he symbolised in terms of the approach to freedom from slavery and various aspects of the outlook on us as a black people of African heritage,” Smith explained.

ENCOURAGING MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE

In championing the movement towards bringing to light the SSIPA-CT, Smith argued that “it will encourage meaningful dialogue outside the narrow partisan political environment, providing an avenue for citizens to express themselves freely on issues relating to how the society’s functioning, the economy, crime, and everything else”.

When established, the SSIPA-CT will also expose the wider society, including schools and political parties, to the work and life of Sam Sharpe through various projects.

“Annual debating competitions and publications, particularly simplified versions for primary schools, will highlight Sharpe’s relevance to Montego Bay and the emancipation movement,” said Smith, a veteran journalist and publisher of the Western Mirror newspaper.

Smith believes that too many Jamaicans lack pride in their heritage and hopes that by inculcating the valuable contributions of Sam Sharpe into the minds of youngsters, it will help overcome the inferiority complex that exists.

Prendergast stated that the SSIPA-CT, originally created as a public affairs think tank, has evolved to include broader Caribbean Thought, promoting public engagement on issues critical to Sam Sharpe’s legacy and the advancement of the Caribbean people.

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