Put politics aside when next selecting national hero – PM

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has called for Vincentians to put political affiliation aside, as the debate on the selection of this country’s next national hero(es) continues.{{more}}

Gonsalves, speaking during the annual wreath laying ceremony at the obelisk at Dorsetshire Hill, said that the political affiliation of the persons up for consideration, and the individuals participating in the debate, should have nothing to do with the arguments being made.

“We must not in St Vincent and the Grenadines, say that because you support the NDP, that you should do (Ebenezer) Joshua and not (Milton) Cato, or if you in the Labour Party you must do Cato and don’t do Joshua,” the prime minister said on National Heroes Day, last Thursday,

“We must leave those things in the dustbin of history… and assess them in the light of their extraordinary work; that’s how we should make the judgement; and before that also, the same thing with (George) McIntosh.

“None of these three persons was perfect, and at different times, they did certain things which some of you may not approve of, but what are you going to do? You are not going to simply take one factor for which we disagree in their lives, and in a sectarian manner, elevate it above all the extraordinary good, you have to give a total overall balanced judgment.”

Gonsalves reminded all present, as well as those listening and viewing the event, that an Order of National Heroes Act has been passed in the parliament, and that currently, under the chairmanship of René Baptiste, a national Heroes Advisory Committee is holding discussions concerning the selection of more national heroes for St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer, who died at Dorsetshire Hill on March 14, 1795, is this country’s lone national hero.

“….There are three central considerations, which the national heroes committee must have regard to… And you can’t read these three things together; each of them is discreet,” the prime minister pointed out.

“Whether that person has given outstanding service to St Vincent and the Grenadines, and his or her contribution has altered positively the course of the history of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“…That the person has given service to SVG, which has been exemplified by visionary and pioneering leadership, extraordinary achievement and attainment of the highest excellence, to the honour of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“…Through his or her heroic exploits and sacrifice, has contributed to the achievement of the economic, social or political conditions of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Vincentians generally.”

The prime minister noted that though Chatoyer would have qualified under the criteria mentioned, it did not mean that the next person(s) has to necessarily satisfy all three considerations fully.

Contrasting it to religious practice, Gonsalves said the selection of a national hero should not be held to the same standard as the selection of saints.

He also voiced his right as everyone else, to have a say in the debate on the selection the next national hero, as prime minister and a citizen.

“…I also have a functionary office: Chairman of the Cabinet, which is to determine on the report sent to us from the national advisory committee, to then proceed to advise the Governor General authoritatively to make the appropriate declaration.

“You can’t make me the prime minister in three successive elections, and then tell me I can’t have a say as to who is going to be national hero.

“I can’t do so by myself, but I clearly have an opinion, and I have an authority to reflect upon the committee’s report to discuss with my Cabinet colleagues, as to what we should send on to the Governor General”.