In Jamaica, National Heroes Day is celebrated on the third Monday in October. This public holiday is held in honour of the men and woman who have given a lot, including their lives in some cases, for their country and countrymen.
In many schools, the week leading up to National Heroes Day is generally focused on discussions, concerts and other events depicting the national symbols of the country, its heroes and cultural heritage. In fact the week starting with National Heroes Day is now National Heritage Week.
On National Heroes Day the National Honours and Awards Ceremony is normally held at Kings House. At this event, the Governor General of the island bestows honours on Jamaicans who have committed acts of bravery or offered exemplary service. There are many events in the various parishes that visitors will enjoy. The Awards ceremony is normally aired on national television.
The National Heroes
There are currently seven national heroes in Jamaica. The first set of National Heroes were accorded that designation in 1965, three years after the island gained its independence from Great Britain. They were Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, Norman Washington Manley and William Alexander Bustamante. Samuel “Sam” Sharpe was designated a national Hero in 1975, and the sole female heroine, Nanny of the Maroons, also known as Granny Nanny, was given the honour in 1976.
There is a park dedicated to them, namely, The National Heroes Park in Kingston. While dedicated in honour of the Heroes, there are other dignitaries whose bodies have been laid to rest in the Park. It was known originally as Kingston Race Course and was first opened in 1783 as a race track. Sometime around 1905, it was made into a public park and named George VI Memorial Park in honour of King George VI. When Jamaica gained its independence in 1962 the Park was given its present name.
The first National Hero is perhaps the best known. Marcus Mosiah Garvey took his message not only to the Jamaican people but to others across the globe. The only person to be named a National Hero while still alive was the Right Excellent Sir William Alexander Bustamante. Paul Bogle and George William Gordon were hung for their alleged part in what is known as the Morant Bay Rebellion.
Samuel Sharpe a Baptist preacher is remembered not only for his leadership in the Christmas rebellion of 1831, but also for his dying words, “I would rather die on yonder gallows than live in slavery.”
Nanny of the Maroons is best known for her leadership skills. This in part resulted in the Maroons gaining their independence long before slavery ended. She used her tactical skills to help her people outwit the British soldiers who tried to capture them.
Most of the National Heroes are depicted on various Jamaican coins and banknotes as follows:
- $500.00 (Bank note) - Nanny of the Maroons
- $50.00 (Bank note) - Samuel Sharpe
- $20.00 (Coin) - Marcus Mosiah Garvey
- $10.00 (Coin) - George William Gordon
- $5.00 (Coin) - Norman Washington Manley
- $1.00 (Coin) - William Alexander Bustamante
- 10 cents (Coin) - Paul Bogle
- 25 cents (Coin) - Marcus Mosiah Garvey
For many Jamaicans abroad and at home, National Heroes Day is a time of reflection and celebration. Of course, being a music loving people, there are numerous festivities and parties throughout the island on this day.
Jessica McCurdy Crooks - Jessica McCurdy Crooks was born in Jamaica and loves travelling. She is a librarian & records manager, indexer and freelance writer. She ...
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