Davis wants greater respect for Ja’s cultural heritage
Published:Monday | December 30, 2024 | 12:09 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Homer Davis, state minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, is bemoaning that Jamaica’s cultural heritage is not getting the type of respect it deserves as its true value appears to be waning as the country moves further away from the era of emancipation.
Davis, who was speaking during the annual Sam Sharpe Flames of Freedom Torch Run, which made a stop in Sam Sharpe Square on Friday as the parish celebrated Samuel Sharpe Day, reminded attendees that Sam Sharpe was one of the persons who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom the nation’s citizens enjoy today.
“We are on sacred ground. This is where Sam Sharpe paid the ultimate price, and what puzzles me sometimes is how casually we observe this day,” said Davis, who is the member of parliament for South St James, where Sam Sharpe reportedly instigated the so-called 1831 slave rebellion, a pivotal occurrence on the road to freedom.
“We need to see more young people stepping up to the plate and observing our culture,” said Davis, in noting the richness of Jamaican heritage and culture and why it should be embraced.
“Our culture is very significant to us, but sometimes I think along the way we got lost,” he continued, and reminded attendees that Sam Sharpe was born in the community of Croydon, in Catadupa.
December 27 was proclaimed Sam Sharpe Day by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen on December 22, 2020, to immortalise the events of 1831 for which the late national hero was hanged by the then British colonisers.
To honour his fight to end slavery and pave the way for today’s freedom, the Sam Sharpe Flames of Freedom event is held annually on December 27 as a mark of respect to a man whose place in Jamaica’s history is considered sacred.
Friday’s celebration of the Sam Sharpe Flames of Freedom Torch Run started in Catadupa went through several townships, including Cambridge, Anchovy and Fairview, Sharpe’s old stamping ground.
A handover ceremony of the symbolic torch took place in Sam Sharpe Square, where Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon received the torch.
“I don’t think our people fully realise and have fully embraced the significance of this day but, over time, I am sure you will understand why it is significant for the 27th of December to be so designated for the parish of St James to be Sam Sharpe Day,” said Davis.