The stereotype of the enslaved woman does not include the concept of her having enough money to lend to a white English planter. But that was Phibbah, an enslaved woman who worked on Egypt sugar plantation and Breadnut Island Pen in Westmoreland in the late 18th century. As is typical of many enslaved persons, her age and origins are uncertain. What is certain however, is that Phibbah developed a reputation as an influential woman. As the manager of the estate’ss cook house she interacted with white official and had special privileges and a level of autonomy.

Phibbah is just one of the many Jamaican heroes who fought against slavery, injustice and colonialism. She is one but one of the heroes in the Jamaica National Heritage Trust / Irie FM’ss “In Search Of” series. The goal of the series is to highlight these heroes, uncovering little known facts about them, and serve as a catalyst for community projects.

So far the series has been in search of Paul Bogle in St. Thomas, Nanny in Moore Town, Tacky in St. Mary and Phibbah in Westmoreland. The next in the series will take Jamaica to St. James where we will unearth the stories of national hero Sam Sharpe.

The project has also mobilized residents to participate in community work such as the clearing of Tacky Falls, the bushing and painting of heritage sites and the refurbishing of the Women’s Centre in Savanna la mar and the Boys’ Home in Darliston. Storyboards are erected and brochure information circulated to residents eager to know more about their heroes. Another component of the series is also an essay competition for youngsters, sponsored by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust on the hero who is being featured in the series.