Kingston, 6 April 2023 – The annual Civic Ceremony marking Takyi Day, April 8, organised and hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the St Mary Municipal Corporation, takes place at the Claude Stewart Park in the St Mary capital, Port Maria, on Saturday morning, starting at 10 o’clock.

“The Ceremony is held in commemoration of the heroic efforts of a band of enslaved Africans, led by Takyi, who attempted to overthrow their plantation owners in St Mary,” says the Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, the Honourable Olivia Grange.

“Takyi’s War, also known as Takyi’s Rebellion, took place from 1760 to 1761. It has been described as one of the most far-reaching rebellions in Jamaica's colonial history with Takyi and his fighters seeking to deliver a decisive blow against slavery, to take control the island colony and to create a Black independent nation.”

In 2022, the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen, signed a Proclamation declaring April 8 Takyi Day henceforth.

One of the highlights of the Ceremony will be the launch of a book published by members of the Takyi Family in Ghana. Mr Enoch Takyi, is in Jamaica representing family members said to be proud relations of Takyi.

United States Professor Vincent Brown, author of the award-winning book, Tacky’s Revolt - The Story of an Atlantic Slave War, is the guest speaker. Professor Brown is the acknowledged expert on the history of Captain Takyi’s War.

Remarks will also come from St Mary Members of Parliament Dr Norman Dunn, Mr Robert Montague and Dr Morais Guy.

Copies of the Takyi Day Proclamation will be presented to His Worship, the Mayor of Port Maria, Councillor Richard Creary; Mr Takyi; Professor Brown; and Derrick Black X, an activist advocating for Takyi to be made a National Hero.

Tacky High School students will be among St Mary groups making cultural presentations and an exhibition mounted by the National Library of Jamaica will be on display.

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