By Robert Andre Emmanuel
The United Progressive Party (UPP) observed its annual Heroes Day yesterday, continuing the party’s tradition of commemorating all national heroes collectively on December 9, instead of participating in the separate government-led observation of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Day.
The ceremony, led by Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, featured dedicated citations at the monuments and final resting places of Antigua and Barbuda’s national heroes, with family members of Sir George Walter and Sir Vivian Richards in attendance.
Mervyn Richards accepted honours on behalf of his brother Sir Vivian, the nation’s sole living national hero, while members of the Walter family joined the delegation at Sir George’s memorial site.
Beginning at the public cemetery, Senator Pearl Quinn-Williams highlighted Dame Nellie Robinson’s educational reforms, saying: “She admitted illegitimate children and lobbied for the change of the official practice barring illegitimate children from secondary schools [and] … began funding scholarships for poor black children.”
The UPP also highlighted the national heroes’ historical achievements to present-day governance and society.
Senator Quinn-Williams drew parallels between Dame Nellie Robinson’s advocacy and current events.
“In a time when it is easier to just back down, when people are afraid to challenge authority for fear of discrimination and victimization, we need that fearless fighting spirit that will make us stand up and speak out against discrimination and intimidation,” she said.
Reflecting on the memory of Prince Klass, historian Alister Thomas issued a direct challenge to educational institutions, arguing “We have not ensured in 42 years of independence that in every primary and secondary school, this history, struggle, organization, and sacrifice should be compulsory… if we want to ensure that quality is being instilled in future generations.”
Attorney Wayne Benjamin Marsh framed Sir Vere Cornwall Bird’s legacy as a model for contemporary leadership.
“National Heroes Day is not simply meant to be an occasion to recite already known historical facts. It must move us, inspire us, or pull us forward … when political leadership, more often than not, seems disconnected from those it was elected to serve,” he remarked.
Barbara Coates emphasized Sir George Walter’s development vision, noting that “he laid the foundation for real and meaningful development toward creating the greatest good for the greatest number of people in Antigua and Barbuda … policies that would promote self-dependence.”
A family member of Sir George, Craig Walter, stressed the importance of historical preservation, stating, “These things must be passed on to younger members and newer members of the organization. Because if we don’t do that, all of this will be fruitless and thrown into oblivion.”
Ashworth Azille positioned Sir Vivian Richards’ principles as a framework for national integrity: “May the son of the soil, our only living national hero, continue to inspire each of us to fight for something far greater than ourselves … True nationalism and patriotism demands that we reject corruption and oppression in all its forms.”
