Coral Gardens column awesome
Published:Tuesday | April 9, 2013 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Carolyn Cooper's article 'Bring in all Rastas, dead or alive!' (Sunday Gleaner, April 7, 2013) was well researched.
As an avid history buff and an admirer of the Rastafarian philosophy, I've been aware of the historically phrased 'Coral Gardens Incident'. Recently, I have also noticed the increased references, in a sort of revisionist way, of the use of 'Black Friday'.
However, this is the best presentation of a blow-by-blow account (pun intended) that I have seen in my more than 35 years of reading about this issue.
It should be used in conjunction with other required reading lists both at the secondary and tertiary levels for our historical and socio-economic studies.
This treatment, in a non-confrontational and factual manner, will assist with better understandings of:
1. Class and racial issues in Jamaica;
2. The relationships between the Rastafarian movement and the People's National Party on the one hand, and the Jamaica Labour Party on the other; and,
3. Church, State and socio-economic issues in Jamaica.
Well done, Professor Cooper. Keep up this type of good work.
EWAN OLIVER