BLENHEIM, Hanover — Former United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Director, Dr Simon Clarke has called for the renewal of respect for the country’s national symbols.

Dr Clarke who was speaking at a civic ceremony in Blenheim, Hanover, to commemorate the 128th anniversary of the birth of National Hero National Sir Alexander Bustamante, placed special emphasis on the national flag.

“If you should examine the physical flag today, many of them are not black, green and gold. We see black, green and a very pale yellow. We should not pollute them,” he stressed. “Our flag has the colour gold in it, and gold has a significance of sunlight, energy and brilliance.”

He said in most cases the gold section of the flag is been made of yellow instead of gold.

He argued that the flag of a country is to provide a sense of pride and inspiration to its citizens.

“It also indicates not only the nationality of a people, but it also portrays certain characteristics of the country. Our own characteristics are contained in the symbolism of that flag,” he said.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Andrew Holness who also spoke at the civic function implored politicians to “take a page from Bustamante” and be a true representative of the people.

” In Busta (Bustamante) there is the example of a true political representative. Represent the people, stand up for the people, and make representation for the people. Do it within the law to build a Nation so that generations coming can be proud of,” Holness emphasised.

Glowing tributes were also paid to the former prime minister by a number persons including Custos of Hanover Dr Davis Stair, who noted that Bustamante demonstrated a willingness to die for a cause he truly believed in.

Bustamante who was born in the deep rural district of Blenheim on February 24, 1884 died in August 1977.

— Anthony Lewis