Martin Henry
WHO WILL respond to what in a column written? This is a huge part of the fascination in this business of writing.
My column, 'Spelling Bee, the parents and schools' mentioned that the Hanover parish champion came from an off-the-map place called Mount Peto. Another Mount Peto achiever, Derrick Leslie of Guardian Life, tracked me to tell me the story of the place.
What appears on the map is Alexandria, or Alexandria Pen, near the town of Ramble. Mount Peto is a free village. There are dozens of these around the country established by the ex-slaves and missionaries. Just after Emancipation, and in the heyday of the Baptists, a mission was established at Alexandria for the purpose of providing Christian witness to the newly-freed slaves from the properties of Golden Grove, Content, Silver Grove and Alexandria Pen. In 1862, a stone was laid for the erection of the Baptist chapel. This was made possible through a grant from Sir Morton Peto, who was a secretary of the Baptist Missionary Society of England. The mission was then named Mount Peto, in honour of Sir Morton Peto who had provided the funds. That stone can still be seen in the Mount Peto Baptist Church.
Although Mount Peto is a Baptist name coming from one of their missionaries, the entire community has come to be simply known as Mount Peto, just like Gurneys Mount, Sutcliff Mount and so many other places of similar origin.
The Baptists had a policy of establishing a school wherever there was a mission. So Mount Peto Day School came into being. That's the school that the Hanover Spelling Bee parish champion, Sharmeelah Martin attends. It has produced four others. I was talking about the importance of school leadership and home support for youngsters to do well like the Spelling Bee champions from the 14 parishes. Apparently Mount Peto Primary has found a successful leadership formula. Iris Guthrie, the current principal, is a graduate of the institution.
MANY OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Mrs. Guthrie secured some Glen Archer coaching for the student who emerged as parish champion this year. Among its many other achievements, the school has been the parish champion in Bible Quiz Competition for 2002-2004, and runner-up for 2005; parish and all-island Carib Cement Primary School Cricket champion; and gold and silver medallist for dance and speech in the Jamaica Festival.
Many graduates have gone on to do well for themselves, drawing on the original investment which which Sir Morton Peto made. The role of the church in education must never be downplayed. Iris Guthrie is back home as principal. Evelyn Gyles is principal of Shortwood Practising and Junior High School. Captain Franklyn Smith flies for Air Jamaica. Dr. Beverley Wright is medical officer for Manchester and Dr. Urga Brissett-Reynolds is a UWI lecturer. Several graduates like three Leslie brothers and Geta Wright are in the financial services.
LOCAL HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Every village has a story to tell. Years ago when I toured on a Commonwealth fellowship, I was quite impressed by the way even little towns in Sir Morton Peto's country, England, preserved their local history. There were museums and local historical societies all over. We should copy that.
Ben Tsedek Ben Yehuda calls. He has read my columns, 'Hebrew thought' and 'God in Africa before the Europeans' online and simply had to get in touch when in Jamaica. Ben Yehuda is a black Hebrew. Born in Clarendon, he migrated to the United States where he became a follower of Ben Ammi, the leader of an African Hebrew group settled in Israel. Ben Ammi (whose name means 'son of my people' in Hebrew) is, or rather was, an African American born in Chicago. With strong historical support, he adopted the view that African peoples are of the Hebrew diaspora.
Ben Ammi argues that a spiritually significant remnant of the Children of Israel, or the Messianic people, can be found among African Americans and that slavery discrimination and worldwide hatred are severe punishments for these Israelites disobeying the laws and commandments of God.
In 1967, Ben Ammi led 350 African Americans to Liberia, in his view a fulfilment of prophecy. A remnant of that group went on to Israel in 1969 after two and a half years of purification in Africa. Since then, Ben Ammi and his followers have struggled to establish the long-awaited Kingdom of God on earth.
Disciple Ben Tsedek Ben Yehuda thinks I should read the master's words and has sent me two of his books, God, the Black Man and Truth and The Messiah and the End of the World which I am working through.
Martin Henry is a communication specialist.
