Free Villages in Jamaica
Free Villages in Jamaica
Grade 7
Term 1, Unit 2
Unit Title: Valuing Heritage- Yours and Mine
“Chance has never yet satisfied the hope of a suffering people. Action, self-reliance, the vision of self and the future have been the only means by which the oppressed have seen and realized the light of their own freedom.” Rt. Excellent Marcus Garvey.
Think about the quote above. What does it mean to you? Which words jump out at you? Please write your interpretation of the quote in the comment section.
The path to freedom starts with a single thought. It requires one having hope and motivation in the face of uncertainty. And this was what the Africans, our ancestors had in mind.
After 1838
Free Villages emerged in Jamaica after 1838, in which slavery was abolished and the system of Apprenticeship ended. During this period, the free slaves had a strong desire for personal liberty and ownership of their own lands. This desire grew stronger as a result of the harsh treatment that the ex-slaves received from the planters. For example, the ex-slaves were paid low wages and were expected to pay rent and if they did not pay rent, they could be evicted from the planter dwellings in which they lived. The ex-slaves then realised that as long as the planters controlled where they lived and their opportunities for work, their freedom would have been meaningless. Free Villages were then created as a solution to the problem.
What is a Free Village?
The term Free Village is used to refer to small towns which were established in Jamaica, following Emancipation and the end of Apprenticeship. Ownership of land was seen as one of the most prestigious badges of honour among ex-slaves and so, it was one of their greatest desires as free people.
Who established Free Villages in Jamaica?
Missionaries from the Baptist, Moravian, Presbyterian and Methodist denominations played an instrumental role in the creation of Free Villages across the island. In some instances, the freedpeople were able to acquire lands on their own initiative. At that time, many barriers were created to prevent ex-slaves from owning lands. These barriers included the use of legislature, marking up the prices of lands and planters refusing to sell their lands to the freedpeople.
The freedpeople contributed their labour and invested their material resources in establishing communities that revolved around the church and school. The freedpeople were also able to pool their own resources and invest in plots of lands, for agriculture and housing. Using their skills and creativity, the freed people were able to expand and build their communities. They further expanded their internal trading networks and created the foundation for the formation of new communities. The freedpeople demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity and they exemplified the importance of being self-reliant and resourceful. The Missionaries helped in the acquisition of lands and helped to grow the Free Village Movement.
Names and locations of Free Villages in Jamaica:
Maidstone, also known as Nazareth, Vale Lionel which was renamed Porus and Mizpah are all found in the parish of Manchester.
the first free village was established in Saint Catherine and the name of this place is Sligoville. Other Free Villages in Spanish Town are Kitson Town, Sturge Town and Victoria Town.
Halse Hall and Hayes are located in Clarendon
Ipswich and Lititz are located in Saint Elizabeth
Over time, some Free Villages have expanded or have disappeared, however, their formation played a key role in the creation of the Jamaican social, political and economic society.
Here are some questions for you:
1. What is a Free Village? Name a Free Village that is close to you.
2. What is the name of the first Free Village that was established in Jamaica?
3. Which values and attitudes can we learn from the actions of the Free People? What lesson(s) can we learn from them?
4. Why were Free Villages created and what is their significance to our heritage?
Free Villages were created in Jamaica during the 19th century as a result of the abolition of slavery. After the British government abolished slavery in 1834, many former slaves were left without homes or means to support themselves. In response to this, the Jamaican government created Free Villages to provide land and resources for the newly freed slaves to build homes and create communities.
ReplyDeleteThe creation of Free Villages was significant for Jamaican heritage in several ways. Firstly, it represented a major step towards the emancipation of enslaved people in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Free Villages allowed former slaves to live independently and establish their own communities, which was a crucial element of their social and economic development.
Secondly, the Free Villages were significant for the preservation of Jamaican cultural heritage. Many of the Free Villages were established by groups of enslaved people who had been brought to Jamaica from different parts of Africa. As a result, the villages were often home to a rich blend of African cultures and traditions, which were passed down from generation to generation. Today, these cultural traditions are an important part of Jamaican heritage and are celebrated in music, dance, and other forms of art.
Finally, the Free Villages were important for the economic development of Jamaica. The villages were often established on fertile land, which allowed former slaves to grow crops and establish their own businesses. This helped to create a sustainable economic system and played a key role in the development of Jamaica's agriculture industry.
1. In the historical context, a free village was a type of settlement that was established after slavery to provide a home and community for the now freed African men and women along with their family. Sligoville (1835) was the first free village in Jamaica. A free village that is in St. Ann near to me is Clarksonville. It was named by Rev. John Clark, Baptist minister stationed at Brown's Town in St Ann in 1835, for Thomas Clarkson, an English advocate of the abolition of slavery. It was one of the first set of free villages to be established just after emancipation. The land was purchased to be used as a settlement for ex-slaves after August 1, 1838.
ReplyDelete2. Free village settlements, are characterized by a sense of freedom, autonomy, and community self-governance. From these communities, we can learn several values and attitudes that can be beneficial to individuals and societies, including:
Community self-governance: Free village settlements are often governed by community members themselves, through traditional or democratic methods. This value teaches us the importance of community participation in decision-making and the value of collective action.
Self-sufficiency: Many free village settlements are self-sufficient, with residents relying on their own resources and labor to meet their needs. This value teaches us the importance of self-reliance and the need to minimize dependence on outside sources.
Respect for the environment: Free village settlements often have a close relationship with the natural environment and rely on sustainable practices to maintain their way of life. This value teaches us the importance of protecting the environment and living in harmony with nature.
Mutual support: Free village settlements often have a strong sense of community and mutual support, with members helping each other in times of need. This value teaches us the importance of caring for others and working together for the common good.
Cultural heritage: Free village settlements often have rich cultural traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. This value teaches us the importance of preserving cultural heritage and recognizing the value of diversity.
Free villages are tangible symbols of our history and heritage. They are indelible marks that symbolizes the struggles that our ancestors faced and what they represent how they overcame the adverse effects that slavery had imposed on them.