EDITORIAL
As the month of November fast approaches and we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 53rd anniversary of independence, one cannot help but think of the many persons who have helped to shape this nation, socially and politically, into what it is today.
While we have had some challenging times, Barbados, a country once described by the late former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, as a country that punches above its weight, is still very much doing so. Barbados has long been a leader regionally and internationally, and in spite of the setbacks in recent years, this country and its people are still revered in the eyes of the international world.
From these shores have come outstanding statesmen, athletes, academics, doctors, entrepreneurs and the list goes on. Many have left this island to pursue their dreams and in doing so, made a name not only for themselves internationally, but this tiny rock. These persons must be recognised and celebrated for all they have done to make our nation proud, no matter how small the act. Certainly, it is hoped that as Government pursues its ‘We Gatherin’ campaign to bring Barbadians in the Diaspora home for 2020, that we not just seek to increase the visitor arrival numbers in this venture, but to highlight the work that Barbadians across the world are doing.
For most people the name that immediately comes to mind is Rihanna, the international superstar who hails from Westbury Road, St. Michael – her work in music, fashion and philanthropy are unmatched. But, she is not the only one that is flying the Barbados flag proudly. We must never forget Obadele Thompson who won Barbados’ first, and to date only medal at the Olympics. While retired from the track, he is making his mark in the legal field these days, practising international arbitration and litigation.
But there are countless others that have done well, who we must celebrate. Efforts must be made to identify these people and ensure that their names are known to all those who call this island home. It is imperative that we celebrate our greatest resource – our people.
We make that suggestion while also calling for greater awareness building as it relates to our National Heroes. Twenty-one years ago an Act of Parliament recognised the contribution of ten key figures in this country’s history, giving them the title of National Hero and designating a day on which to honour them, celebrated annually on April 28.
Given that all but one of those ten persons of influence have gone to the great beyond, it is important that our younger generations understand why they above all were chosen.
The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers is still with us, and God willing will be with us for some time to come, but others who carry that title of Right Excellent – Bussa, Sara Ann Gill, Samuel Jackman Prescod, Charles Duncan O’Neal, Sir Grantley Adams, Clement Payne, Sir Hugh Springer, Sir Frank Walcott and Errol Barrow – many of their stories are not related as much as they should be. There are stories of ordinary people, who triumphed in the face of struggles – a reminder to us that we do not have to be defined by our circumstances.
It is hoped in the future that National Heroes Square becomes a true monument to our heroes. One should be able to visit that area and find pertinent information there on each of them – making it an attraction for local and visitors alike. It is also high time that the statue of Lord Nelson finds a new home and that a sculpture that embodies our heroes is commissioned and erected in its place.