Twenty-five years ago, we as a nation chose this very special day to recognise the incredible accomplishments and contribution of 10 nation builders we identified as National Heroes.
Bussa, Sarah Ann Gill, Samuel Jackman Prescod, Charles Duncan O’Neal, Sir Grantley Herbert Adams CMG, QC, Clement Osbourne Payne, Sir Hugh Worrell Springer GCMG, CBE, Sir Frank Leslie Walcott KA, OBE, Errol Walton Barrow PC, QC, Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers AO, OCC, and in 2021, 10 became 11 as we recognised Robyn Rihanna Fenty among the national heroes of our proud island.
With the establishment of the Order of National Heroes Act in 1998, we recognised these sons and daughters of the soil who have transformed Barbados, given outstanding service, altered the course of our history, attained the highest levels of excellence, and contributed to the betterment of Barbados and Barbadians.
The world as we know it may have changed, but today on National Heroes Day, we remain steadfast in saluting our National Heroes, who continue to be an inspiration to Barbadians here and across the diaspora. Through their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs, we are provided with a clear example of the greatness we can achieve as a people and the high levels of excellence we can go to as a nation.
Today, I also use this opportunity to acknowledge that there are heroes amongst us who have and continue to give sterling service to their communities and their country. While the last few years have brought with it perhaps the most tumultuous times we have seen in recent history, with the COVID-19 Pandemic, the start of the conflict in Ukraine and the impacts of the climate crisis, you, the people of Barbados have channelled the spirit of our National Heroes, and have been heroes in your own right, stabilising and building our country in the process. It is through your works we now see the fruits of these heroic efforts as our country rebounds from the effects of the global economic downturn.
On behalf of the Government of Barbados, I say thank you. It is through your heroic efforts that we bravely embark on Mission Transformation, creating a more sustainable, prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Barbados where future national heroes can thrive.
This National Heroes Day, let us remember that within each of us rests the pride and industry that propelled our 11 National Heroes to be the icons they are.