Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding are encouraging Jamaicans to draw on the character, strength, and patriotism displayed by the country’s seven national heroes in seeking to create a better nation.

The two political leaders made their appeal in messages to mark Monday’s observance of National Heroes’ Day when the country reflects and pays tribute to the contributions of Marcus Garvey, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, Nanny of the Maroons, Sam Sharpe, Sir Alexander Bustamante, and Norman Manley to nation-building.

“Our heroes, through their sacrifice and struggle, are extraordinary models and lessons in resolve, strength of character, grit, determination, selflessness, grace, and dignity,” Prime Minister Holness said in his message.

“They represent not only the celebrated and memorialised extraordinary achievements of our past, but they represent the potential of our future, if we model their examples, learn from their experience, and draw inspiration from their sacrifice and accomplishments,” he added.

Noting that the national heroes are memorialised and honoured for resisting and challenging the institutions of slavery, oppression, racism, colonialism, and social injustice, Holness said, “As the struggle continues today, we must fight against those figurative shackles in our society representing the mindset and mentality which hold us captive and prevent us from realising our full potential as a people and as a nation.”

Added Holness: “As we seek to transform our nation, we must draw on the advocacy and leadership skills of Paul Bogle who, though born free, was enraged by the widespread poverty and injustice all around and led a march culminating in the historic Morant Bay Rebellion in 1865.

“We must draw on the organising skills and empathy of George William Gordon, who saw the suffering of those around him and refused to ignore it, entering politics to provide meaningful representation to the newly freed people.

“We must draw on the philosophy and activism of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, pan-Africanist, teacher, speaker, and businessman who sought to uplift the black race financially and psychologically through self-help, self-belief, and self-reliance.

“We must draw on the ingenuity and judiciousness of Sam Sharpe, who provided guidance and hope to the enslaved people, encouraging them to advocate for themselves and ultimately leading the landmark Sam Sharpe rebellion, which hastened the abolition of slavery.

“We must draw on the strength and determination of Nanny of the Maroons, who fought valiantly against the British using guerilla tactics to keep them at bay and retain the freedom the Maroons had won for themselves.

“We must draw on the wisdom and devotion of Norman Manley, who advocated strongly on behalf of the people, fought for universal adult suffrage, and was a critical voice for regional integration.

“And we must draw on the patriotism, pragmatism, passion, and resoluteness of Sir Alexander Bustamante who, as the first prime minister of Independent Jamaica, championed the rights of the masses, the poor and working class, dedicating his life to their betterment.”

Golding, too, highlighted the achievements of the seven National Heroes and stated that they are a source of inspiration to all Jamaicans.

“They embody the noble qualities of selflessness, courage, wisdom, and determination,” he said.

“Today we honour them for making it possible for us to live in a free and democratic society. Today we acknowledge and revere their immense and lasting contributions to the independence and development of modern Jamaica. We draw on their strength and determination so that we, too, will stand up for justice and demand the best of our leaders,” Golding said.

He also urged Jamaicans to use National Heroes’ Day to acknowledge our everyday heroes who keep the fabric of our society together.

“Our parents, who face the daily challenges of providing for their families and do so with pride and dignity.

“Our teachers, who work in such challenging circumstances to prepare our children to achieve their hopes and dreams in the future.

“Our doctors and nurses, who work in adverse conditions to care for the sick and bring them back to health.

“Our police, soldiers, and firefighters, who face dangers to their own lives to enforce the law and keep us safe.

“Our civil servants, who live a life of service to our great nation.

“Our farmers and business people, who grow our food and provide the goods and services we rely on.

“Our youth, who represent hope for the future and resilience,” the Opposition leader said.

Holness also used his message to appeal to Jamaicans to commit to respecting each other’s right to life, invoking Garvey’s statement that, “If we as a people realised the greatness from which we came, we would be less likely to disrespect ourselves.”

“Let us agree,” Holness said, “not to shed the blood of our brothers and sisters and to resolve conflicts peacefully; to support and nurture our children and to set examples for them to grow into whole, happy adults who will lead upstanding lives; to take care of our elders and vulnerable ones; to follow the rules of the road, the rules of our schools and institutions, and the laws of our country; to protect our environment and dispose of our waste appropriately; to respect each other’s right to enjoy property and pursue economic livelihood in peace and security; to interact courteously and warmly with each other in our families, relationships, and communities; to look out for our families, friends, and neighbours and agree that together, we will build a Jamaica of which we can be truly proud, a Jamaica that honours the sacrifice of our forebears and is an example to the region and to the world.”

Added Holness: “I salute all our ‘citizen heroes’, the mere mortals who are making the extraordinary change in our homes, communities, and in our nation… and as we observe National Heroes’ Day this year, partaking in various commemorative activities, I ask that you reflect on this message and join us as we reignite our nation for greatness.”