Leave Politicking Out of National Heroes Day

The various activities to commemorate National Heroes Day are now over in the main. We here extend our congratulations to the organizers, The Garifuna Heritage Foundation and the Department of Culture in particular, for ensuring yet another successful series of events. It is important to note that the annual events continue to contribute to the strengthening of links between the Garifuna diaspora and their “homeland” and already, there have been several ideas put forward which can deepen this process.

In reflecting on the main annual event, the wreath-laying ceremony at Dortsetshire Hill, the site where Paramount Chief Chatoyer was ambushed and killed, and placing it within its huge historical context, perhaps we need to begin to think of how we can, even if occasionally- say every five years- add one much bigger national mobilising activity such as a National Rally to add greater significance to the event. Important as the wreath-laying ceremony is, and we fully endorse its continuation, it is more than time to bring a wider national congregation to pay homage to our sole National Hero. Surely, Chatoyer deserves that and much more.

It appears that legal developments may have taken some of the steam out of what must have been planned as a grand announcement on Baliceaux. Last year, Prime Minister Gonsalves had, to loud applause, announced plans for his government to either purchase or legally acquire the offshore island of Baliceaux as a Heritage site. That tiny island was the site where some 5000 Garifuna people were dumped by the British as a holding area before they were sent to Roatan Island, off Honduras. Some 2000 of them were estimated to have perished there for lack of water, food and shelter as well as the ravages of diseases.

There was much anticipation that success in this worthy venture would have been announced this year but with legalities in the way, discussions with legal representatives of the purported owners are still ongoing. It is important that this initiative not be seen by the public as just a matter for the Government and the Garifuna descendants, it is a vital part of reclaiming our national patrimony. The Vincentian people, especially through the many civil organizations, must indicate full support for this initiative.

In this regard, it is also important that the political opposition come out strongly in support thereby guarding against any political division on such an important national issue. Speaking at the wreath-laying ceremony, Opposition Leader, Dr Godwin Friday did indicate that the initiative was welcomed by the Opposition. Given the importance of the issue, the strong support in Garifuna and Kalinago communities for the Opposition and that Baliceaux itself is part of the Grenadines, a firm indication not only of support but willingness to mobilize public support for the venture will go a long way towards cementing public support for this patriotic act.

Finally, reflecting on what is becoming a worrying habit, we urge our politicians, on both sides of the House, not to in any way sully the significance of the March 14 event, by using it for narrow partisan purposes. There is enough room for politicking on a day-to-day level . Please leave the jibes and partisan attacks out of our sacred National Heroes Day.