THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 11th April 1963

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THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 11th April 1963 – There were disturbances in Coral Gardens, Montego Bay, Jamaica, following a land dispute between “bearded men” and other locals.

At the time it was believed that the bearded men were Rastafarians. Amidst allegations that the men were responsible for killing several people, and burning down a gas station erected on the disputed land, the government initiated a heavy handed response, ordering that Rastafarians in the region be hunted down and arrested. What followed was indiscriminate attacks, beatings and detention of members of Rastafarians.

The Rastafarian community in Jamaica, who promote a strong African identity and philosophy, underpinned by the ideas of Garvey, has commemorated events ever since, seeking an apology and reparations for the harassment and brutality they suffered in 1963.

Records of the events appear to be slim but it is apparent that what occurred reflected among other things, class differences as well as misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the philosophy of Rastafarianism.

The following video is a trailer to a film that examines the treatment meted out to Rastafarians following the Coral Gardens disturbances:

http://www.filmbaby.com/films/5860

By: Amma Fosuah

“Always bear in mind that people are not fighting for ideas, for the things in anyone’s head. They are fighting to win material benefits to live better and in peace, to see their lives go forward, to guarantee the future of their children.” Amilcar Cabral

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