Basseterre, St Kitts; 17 October 2015: Jamaica National Heroes’ Day is celebrated on the third Monday of October every year during Jamaica’s National Heritage Week. This year is no exception. The third Monday for 2015 will be on 19 October which is therefore the official day of the Celebration. As usual, at this time of Celebration, in addition to celebrating the contributions of our six (6) National Heroes and One (1) National Heroine, the day will also be used to pay special tribute to more than 150 persons who will receive National Awards for their contributions to nation building in various fields at the National level, as well as many persons who have contributed at the parish level in the various parishes of Jamaica.
The members of the Jamaican Kittitian (JamKit) Association, the Association of Jamaicans and friends of Jamaicans living in the Federation of St Kitts & Nevis, take this opportunity to join with all Jamaicans in living in Jamaica and in the diaspora in commemorating Jamaica National Heroes’ Day 2015.
We acknowledge, in particular, the life and work of our six (6) National Heroes and one (1) National Heroine, whose specific efforts laid the foundation for the country’s growth and development:
1) The Right Excellent Paul Bogle – Peasant Advocate and Martyr of the Emancipation Movement;
2) The Right Excellent Alexander Bustamante – Leading Labour Movement Advocate and Inaugural Prime Minister of Independent Jamaica;
3) The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey – Pan-Africanist Leader, Publisher and African Repatriation Advocate;
4) The Right Excellent George William Gordon – Advocate, Politician and Martyr of the Emancipation Movement;
5) The Right Excellent Norman Washington Manley – Political Titan of Independent Jamaica and eminent Barrister;
6) The Right Excellent Nanny of the Maroons – Mythical embodiment of the female Maroon fighter who repelled British expansion into the island’s heartland.
7) The Right Excellent Samuel Sharpe – Freed Slave, Advocate and Martyr of the Emancipation Movement;
Each, in his/her own inimical way, facilitated the burgeoning of a Nation which, though it continues to be confronted by many challenges, continues to rise to meet each one.
These contributions do not, however, trump or negate those of the many men and women, boys and girls, who on a daily basis remind us of the true meaning of being a hero: one who undertakes efforts above and beyond the call of duty, in the service of others.
Notwithstanding some negatives occurring in our country, in our own small spaces and small ways, Jamaicans are exhorted to embrace probity, expound virtue, reject violence and loathe depravity. There can be no better way in which Jamaicans, both at home and abroad, could honour and commemorate as significant a day as Jamaica National Heroes’ Day!
We proffer our warmest sentiments to all members of this congregation and all residents of the Federation of St Kitts & Nevis and wish that peace and safety will guide your every step.
“One Love”
PS: The Jamaica Heroes’ Day Church Service 2015 in SKN will be hosted by the Salvation Army Church, Cayon Street, Basseterre on Sunday, 18 October at 10.00am.
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