Bogle in Bertram's image

On Sunday, Arnold Bertram, historian and former Cabinet minister, wrote on the Jamaican higglers and ended his article by claiming that Bogle prepared the peasants "for a military confrontation ... drilling them in companies". And Bogle "finally chose the trial of Lewis Miller ... to begin the confrontation". And Bertram closed with "... the confrontation assumed violent proportions as Bogle and his peasant army overwhelmed the local militia, killing 29 whites ... ." Bertram is creating Paul Bogle, national hero, in his own image.

In chapter six of my book, The Cross and the Machete, there are other views that counter Bertram's view that Bogle developed an army through drilling. Gad Heuman, historian, in reference to drilling practised in Trelawny, Elizabeth, St Dorothy, Westmoreland, said "much of the drilling ... seemed harmless in retrospect".

Mimi Sheller, British scholar, also mentioned that there were drillings in Kingston that were associated with religious practices. In addition, the Jamaica Royal Commission (JRC) Report claimed that in two or three unnamed parishes, "As regards the drillings, it was found upon investigation at the time that they were wholly unconnected with illegal objects." Edward Underhill, British Baptist leader, interpreted the drillings at meetings by Bogle and his followers as "harmless amusement and well known to the authorities".The drill-ings were undertaken apparently as a religious ritual.

Inconsistency

In addition, to accuse Bogle of preparing for a confrontation and implying Bogle was violent is not consistent with many occurrences. The tone and contents of the letter Bogle and his followers wrote to Governor Eyre does not suggest he was developing an army to attack. In August 1865, Bogle and others made a 40-mile trek with resolutions to seek audience with Eyre which is indicative of people who wanted peaceful resolution to grievances. In addition, Bogle and his followers were not carrying guns and they did not fire any gun. Instead, they were carrying agricultural tools, a custom not unique to Jamaica and still done by peasants today.

According to the JRC, several witnesses testified that the protesters marched into Morant Bay, accompanied by music, dancing, singing and merry making. A justice of the peace from St Mary said he heard bugles, drums and "jesting, laughing and making fun". This celebration was inconsistent with a plan for an attack and was more consistent with a march for justice.

Finally, the only reported speech we have of Bogle's intention on October 11 is found in the JRC document, "On Wednesday I went down to Morant Bay to get bail, and some people go with me, and as I go in the parade they fired on the people." I am not the first person to highlight Bogle's word. Thomas Holt, American historian, also mentioned it in The Problem of Freedom (1992).

Consistent with this revisionist history, Bertram does not mention how many the militia killed but said Bogle and his protesters killed 29 persons.However, Heuman has it at 18. The major problem with Bertram's recollection of history, including what he said about George William Gordon, is that he makes quotes and statements but acknowledges no sources.

It is important to paint as accurate a picture as possible of our national heroes and what they did and what motivated their actions so that it can inspire us.

Bogle, in Bertram's image, is an army captain looking for an opportune time to engage in violent confrontation.However, there is an abundance of reasonable evidence to the contrary which shows that he was motivated by his Native Baptist faith to engage in activities, including marches, to advocate for equality and justice.

Devon Dick is pastor of Boulevard Baptist Church and author of 'The Cross and the Machete: Native Baptists of Jamaica - Identity, Ministry and Legacy'. Feedback may be sent to columns@gleanerjm.com.