Andrew Harris, Gleaner Writer

KINGSTON, Jamaica:
The head of the National of Islam, Louis Farrakhan, on Sunday told thousands of people gathered in Kingston for the 19th anniversary of the Million Man March, that it is time to do away with The Queen as Jamaica’s Head of State.

At the same time, he said the agitation for reparation must come from the masses of the people as those at the top are easily silenced.

"Reparation is what we must seek, but it will not happen if we must go and beg England for it," said Farrakhan from the platform of the National Arena.

He continued: "Jamaica must say goodbye to the Queen … If a man doesn’t treat you right, then why will he teach you right?"

Farrakhan said, however, that a change of The Queen as the Head of State will also demand a change in the education system.

The Nation of Islam, which gave birth to the October 16, 1995 Million Man March on Washington D.C, renewed the hope for equality and prosperity for millions of black people.

The 81-year-old Islamic leader said he chose to mark the anniversary of the March in Jamaica this year, because of both his parents were from the Caribbean.

His father, Percival Clark, was from Kingston, Jamaica and his mother, Mae Manning Clark, from St Kitts and Nevis.

WATCH: Farrakhan appeals to Jamaicans

Farrakhan’s message of unity moved the hearts of many in Kingston Sunday.

"If someone is apart then there is no strength there. It’s only when we are united then we can achieve this, so I agree with him," said Emanuel Cole of the Rastafarian faith.

Percussionist, Bongo Herman was also in awe.

"Every time I listen him I learned a lot and he is the same vein as the 'Rasta' although he is a Muslim," said Bongo Herman.

"We are not free and black people need to unite," Herman added.

WATCH: JAMAICA NOW


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