Excellent George William Gordon, who were identified as leaders of that revolution, and many of the protesters, were executed for having dared to take a stand for justice.
The Rt. Excellent Norman Washington Manley and the Rt. Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante would later build on their legacies as they led Jamaica to independence in The message of our first National Hero, the Rt. You might race; you can accomplish what you will! Jamaica must continue to build on the foundation of our heritage, by internalizing the examples of our heroes and committing ourselves to the achievement of our goals for a better Jamaica — a Jamaica in which family life is strengthened; fundamental values such as honesty, discipline and respect for self and for others are embedded in the national psyche; and where our children can feel safe, enjoy their childhood years and achieve their dreams.
It is imperative that our people recognize that our actions of today are building the heritage for future generations. Almost years have passed since Paul Bogle and George William Gordon, too, were hanged because they protested the slave-like conditions in which the former slaves were still being forced to live.
Over 75 years have passed since Marcus Garvey ignited the consciousness of black people here and across the world and unveiled to them their inalienable rights and the boundlessness of their potential.
Over 50 years have passed since Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley challenged the colonial authorities in the cane fields and at the docks which then led them to the negotiating table to secure the rights of workers and our sovereignty as a people. These many years have passed but the lessons that these heroic sons and daughter taught us have not faded.
The sacrifices they made, the risks they were prepared to take, the unrelenting passion with which they did what they felt they had to do, are the essential qualities that we must emulate if we are to overcome our challenges, if we, as they did, are to make Jamaica a better place for all of its people. Our preparations for the celebration next year of 50 years of independence are well underway. In looking back at the journey we have travelled over these 50 years, we will recognize that that journey began hundreds of years before and that each of our national heroes led us through various stages of that journey and were there at the helm at critical turning points.
In looking forward beyond those 50 years of independence, we must recognize, as well, that the journey continues and, though the road may not yet be straight and smooth, the various legs of the journey must remain fresh in our minds for that is what will inspire and guide us to continue that journey and to make the right turns at our critical turning points.
We have a proud heritage, one formed in struggle and adversity but, because of this, it is one that assures us that no matter how difficult the path may be, how formidable the odds may be, we have the capacity to triumph. We thank God for that heritage.
Heroism is an occupation in which we must all engage in our homes, schools, in our churches, workplaces and communities. Our ancestors faced many challenges along their portion of the journey, but they did not despair. The journey continues andI encourage all Jamaicans to believe in themselves and use their God-given talents to build a better Jamaica. Skip to content National Heritage Week provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the hard work, dedication and contribution which our National Heroes have made to nation-building.
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