Paul Bogle is a Jamaican national hero. He was born before the abolition of slavery, between 1815 and 1820. It was during his youth that slavery was abolished in Jamaica, but the white population still held power and controlled everything. He was one of the few blacks to obtain the right to vote and a land right. In 1865, two men from Stony Gut were tried in Morant Bay court. Paul Bogle and his men go there to support them. A man shouts in the room, the police try to stop him, Bogle and his men intervene. The man runs away. The police then come to Stony Gut to arrest Bogle, but his men will not let them and send them back to Morant Bay. It was then that the Morant Bay uprising began. Bogle and his men walk towards Morant Bay and go to court for a hearing. A battle breaks out, armed police and soldiers kill 20 of Bogle's men. The others take refuge in the court. The police set fire to the courthouse and shoot those who try to escape.
The survivors return to Stony Gut. Governor Edward Eyre sends troops to Portland and St Thomas to crush the spreading rebellion, and puts a price on Bogle's head. The soldiers kill and burn many people, as well as more than a thousand houses. Bogle's men cause minor damage, not being armed to deal with the soldiers, who destroy Stony Gut. Bogle is captured, arrested, taken to Morant Bay and tried. He was hanged on the ashes of the Tribunal on October 24, 1865. 438 other people were also executed.
A statue of Paul Bogle will be erected in Morant Bay Square, sculpted by Edna Manley (wife of Norman Manley). In 1995, the 10 cents on the island will be minted with his effigy. Considered one of Jamaica's national heroes, he was sung by many reggae artists such as Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, Burning Spear, and many others. Paul Bogle will remain the symbol of the rebellion against British colonial oppression.