The Carol Gardens Incident: `Blowing The Lid`

During the Holy Week of April 1963 the relationship between the Jamaican security forces (police and soldiers) and the Rastafarian sect reached its lowing point, resulting in what became known as the `Carol Gardens Incident`. For years, both have been at odds as the Rastafarians were determine to make the statement that the `Babylon system` was a fraud and they would not accept living under it. This led to anti-social behavior being perpetrated by Rastafarians and the security forces responding, often times in a high- handed manner.

Both sides had have enough of each other and one Rastafarian, Rudolph Franklin, initiated a violent uprising in the hills of Carol Gardens, Montego Bay. At the end of the ordeal, some 8 persons were killed and several Ratafarians rounded up, beaten and jailed. Ratafarians, innocent and having nothing to do with the initial uprising were severely mistreated by the security forces with support from the citizens of the area. The event is remembered yearly by the Rastafarian community and their call for compensation and an apology from the state.

This documentary looks at the incident and highlights the testimony of some of the victims and survivors. To view and purchase dvd-http://www.reggaefilms.co.uk