Paul Bogle

As a child, the one National Hero I was truly able to relate to easily was Deacon Paul Bogle. It may have been his stature, his hue, how resolute his frame stood, how he looked like most Jamaicans I grew up with or maybe it was just that his story seemed more real than anyone else. He was a physical specimen for a real. country man from Stony Gut.

Deacon Bogle believed in his cause; fought and died for his people. Police or militia was set up in those days, not to protect and serve citizens, but to serve politicians. Jamaicans were massacred by the militia in 1865. After being flung into slavery, Paul Bogle and 400 colleagues were killed by the Militia because they wanted equal rights for all Jamaicans. Its not enough that Governor at the time, Edward John Eyre. was sent back to England for trial. After all he ordered the killing of innocent people in Jamaica.

The plight of Paul Bogle re-ignites discomfort about social injustice and systemic racial issues across our country and the world. It continues until today.

The image of Paul Bogle was on the original Jamaican $2 bill. It was later discontinued. We need him “back. on the money”.

I now find the truth behind my affinity to Paul Bogle. It’s his inner quest for equality; his drive for opportunities for the regular citizen; his quest to right wrongs; his leadership and his love for his fellowman. Thank you Deacon Paul Bogle. I Salute you.

One Love.