THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT IS a sad day as I write to you to express my gross disappointment with the recently opened Emancipation Park. When the idea of building the park was announced last year, I was pleased that finally we would be recognising this great event.
With all the excitement surrounding the opening on Emancipation Day, I waited anxiously to visit and pay respect to the 'spirit of freedom'.
After touring the park, I came to the conclusion that no historical planning went into the design. There are no murals, insignia, statues (No one was able to tell me what the nude statue couple represents) or inscription to tell a story of the journey to Emancipation. It was embarrassing that not even the date of Emancipation was written anywhere. It is obvious that the park is just a beautiful place, without any significance. What a pity!
The so-called Emancipation Park is an insult to the memory of freedom and those men and women who fought for the freedom of Africans.
In closing, let me give the Emancipation Committee some ideas which can be implemented immediately to correct the wrong:
The park should be divided into 5 sections namely:
1. The commencement of the journey;
2. The Middle Passage;
3. The dispersion of slaves;
4. The life and struggle for Emancipation and;
5. Emancipation celebrations.
At the end of these sections, you should enter an area for souvenirs, refreshment and movies. The park could provide employment for many young people and generate enough revenue to sustain itself. Undoubtedly, all would be willing to pay a small contribution in order to enter and enjoy the learning experience. The repositioned Emancipation Park could be marketed as a tourist destination in order to generate revenue.
Finally, I am available for consultation if I am required.
In the memory of freedom.
I am, etc.,
MICHAEL C. MORRIS
mikecmorris@yahoo.com
19 Grafton Road
Kingston 3
