Jamaicans residing in Anguilla demonstrated a keen sense of patriotism when they celebrated their country’s National Heroes’ Day on the Sandy Ground playing field on Sunday, October 14.

Dancing to Bob Marley’s Redemption Songs

The green stretch of the park took on a festive appearance with tents, food stalls, bars, play castles and music as many Jamaican adults and children came together to commemorate the life and work of seven of their heroes whose statues adorn the country’s national park.

The fun day activities commenced with a short opening ceremony where Jamaicans Patricia Bygrave, an employee at Callaloo Club Peninsular, and Glen Boothe, an Air Traffic Controller at Wallblake Airport, gave presentations on the contributions made to Jamaica by the celebrated heroes. Those persons were named as being the Right Excellencies Paul Bogle, William B. Alexander, Marcus Garvey, William G. Gordon, Norman Manley, Nanny of the Maroons and Sam Sharpe. They were all involved in one way or another in Jamaica’s liberation struggles and development from the slave trade, after emancipation and up through the years of adult suffrage and beyond.

L-R: Andrew Niles, Patricia Bygrave and Glen Boothe

After the joint readings of the biographical notes, Glen Boothe summed up the work of the seven heroes as follows: “The Jamaican National Heroes dared to challenge the institution of colonialism and in so doing changed the course of Jamaica’s history, giving social and political freedom to its people.

“Today, the statues of Jamaica’s seven National Heroes stand in proud acknowledgement in the National Heroes Park in Kingston where they are viewed with inspiring pride and unforgettable symbols of Jamaica’s enduring, resilient, aggressive and assertive strength.”

Ms Bygrave made the following statement: “I want to ask all Jamaicans residing here in Anguilla to continue to be an example of our heroes by being good citizens, law abiding, proud, strong and shining examples.”

Jamaican celebrants at Sandy Ground playing field

A number of Government officials were at the function. They included Speaker of the House of Assembly, David Carty, whose mother is a native of Jamaica; Acting Chief Victor Banks, Minister of Social Development, Evans Rogers, Elected Member for Road South, Hubert Hughes and Permanent Secretary, Social Development, Rodney Rey.

The chairman for the proceedings was Jamaican-born Andrew Niles, Assistant Manager, Personal Banking at Scotiabank and son of Anguillian couple Reverend Dr. H. Clifton Niles and Mrs. Niles.

The successful event was sponsored by Gregg Trucking, Cable & Wireless, Anguilla Block & Sand, Asthrom (Anguilla) Ltd., C. L. Construction, Keithley Lake & Associates, Yvette Wallace and Christopher Laing.

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