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Sam Sharpe was the main instigator of the 1831 Slave
Rebellion which began on the Kensington Estate in St James and which was largely
instrumental in Bringing about the abolition of slavery.
Because of his intelligence and leadership qualities, Sam
Sharpe became a ‘daddy’ or leader of the native Baptists in Montego Bay. religious
meetings were the only permissible forms of organised activities for the slaves. Sam
Sharpe was able to communicate his concern and encourage political thought concerning
events in England which affected the slaves and Jamaica.
Sam evolved a plan of passive resistance in 1831, by which
the slaves would refuse to work on Christmas Day or 1831 and afterwards, unless their
grievances concerning better treatment and the consideration of freedom were accepted by
the state owners and managers.
Sam explained his plan to his chosen supporters after his
religious meetings and made them kiss the Bible to show their loyalty. They in turn took
the plan to the other parishes until the idea had spread throughout St James, Trelawny,
Westmoreland, and even St Elizabeth and Manchester.
Word of the plan reached the ears of some of the planters.
Troops were sent into St James and warships were anchored in Montego Bay and Black River
with their guns trained on the towns.
On December 27, 1831, the Kensington Estate Great House was
set on fire as a signal that the Slave Rebellion had begun. A series of other fires broke
out in the area and soon it was clear that the plan of non-violent resistance which Sam
Sharpe had originated was impractical.
Armed rebellion and seizing of property spread mostly through
the western parishes, but the uprising was put down by the first week in January.
A terrible retribution followed. While 14 whites died during
the Rebellion, more than 500 slaves lost their lives – most of them as a result of the
trials after.
Sam Sharpe was hanged on May 23, 1832. In 1834 the Abolition
Bill was passed by the British Parliament and in 1838, slavery was abolished.
Sharpe had said: "I would rather die upon yonder gallows
than live in slavery".
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