The black power uprising in Trinidad during the early 1970’s was a troubling time for our young nation. Our first elected government faced a group of idealistic young men and women who in their youthful prime dared to challenge them, some with guns. The outcome of the uprising had caused some positive social change . A major change was that now people of dark skin could get a job in the banks and other such white collar institutions. This did not happen though, without the shedding of blood.
Police and army teams were mobilised to hunt down the dissidents hiding in the hills. A number of them were killed. There was one, however, called “Jerhico”, who repeatedly eluded capture. He became legend. Lord Kitchener paid tribute to this advocate for social equality with the composition “Jerhico”, immortalising him.
This was a very popular tune that year. With it, Solo Harmonites won the 1974 Panorama title.
