THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HOPE the irony did not escape those who watched 'Hill and Gully Ride' on TVJ on Sunday January 1.
There was much talk in the programme about George William Gordon being our most neglected National Hero and a warrior for justice for all Jamaicans. The narrator even reminded us that he subdivided his property so that our poor could set up freeholds.
The chief aim of that episode of 'Hill and Gully' was to record the commemoration of the 140th anniversary of Gordon's execution. At the Cherry Gardens Great House were Kingston's well-heeled celebrating the man who was Gordon. A black creole-speaking descendant was interviewed off-site (as was Keble Munn). Among those present were Dr. Carolyn Gomes, Mr. Delroy Chuck and a Mr. Marshalleck, whose claim to fame was a grandfather who tattled to the colonial authorities that things were brewing in St. Thomas.
If you have not got my drift it is this - the celebration of the people's advocate who was hanged for Jamaica was kept like a colonial military secret. Of the organisers, one could ask why a public space such as Morant Bay or Emancipation Park was not used. These actions have contributed to the continued neglect of this hero.
May Mr. Gordon haunt you.
I am, etc.,
H.R. HERON
hrheron@hotmail.com
Kingston
Via Go-Jamaica
