Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has reminded that all Jamaicans have the responsibility to carry forward the legacy of opportunity and equity for all.

“Each one of us is called upon to be a hero of our time — to work tirelessly for a Jamaica that is peaceful, productive, and prosperous, where every citizen lives with pride and dignity. Let us shape the future that our heroes envisioned — a future where every Jamaican can thrive,” Holness said in his National Heroes’ Day Message on Monday.

“As we commemorate another Heroes’ Day, we stand on the shoulders of giants — our national heroes — whose sacrifices have paved the way for the progress we now celebrate as a nation. We stand on their shoulders to see the vision for our country. And from the ruins of history we will build a successful and prosperous country in fulfilment of the vision of our forefathers and our national heroes,” he added.

Highlighting the outstanding legacy of each hero, the prime minister said:

“Nanny of the Maroons fought for the freedom of the Maroons with strategic brilliance; Sam Sharpe, affectionately known as Daddy Sharpe, led his people with intellect and compassion to stand up for their rights; George William Gordon advocated tirelessly for social and economic empowerment; Paul Bogle demanded dignity and a better life for all Jamaicans.

“Norman Manley laid the foundation for political independence; Sir Alexander Bustamante passionately championed the poor and working class and the economic development of the country; and Marcus Mosiah Garvey inspired us to think and act positively, striving for economic independence and self-empowerment.

“Their legacies are a reminder of our responsibility to carry forward their mission,” Holness said.

He said that in honouring our national heroes we must work to transform Jamaica, which is already in train, noting that the Morant Bay Urban Centre in St Thomas, which is now under construction, stands as a beacon of transformation.

“Along with major infrastructure projects, it represents a bright future for St Thomas and Jamaica as a whole. The development reflects our Government’s commitment to building a prosperous and equitable society, where every Jamaican, no matter their background, has the access to the opportunities to fulfil their dreams and aspirations,” he said.

The prime minister said that St Thomas, from which Paul Bogle hailed, and once known as the forgotten parish, is now rising as the beacon of Jamaica’s renaissance, adding: “St Thomas is no longer overlooked; it is at the heart of our nation’s transformation.”

He said the transformation of the Old Courthouse in Morant Bay, where Paul Bogle “ignited the flames of justice during the Morant Bay Uprising”, to the new, modern courthouse in the Morant Bay Urban Centre is fulfilling the vision of Bogle for a prosperous and just society.

“With groundbreaking investments, including the new highway stretching from Harbour View to Port Antonio, we are opening the whole eastern section of the island to a new frontier of economic growth and opportunity.

As a lasting tribute to his legacy, the section of the highway from Bull Bay to Morant Bay will be proudly named Paul Bogle Highway, he said.

Similarly, in his National Heroes’ Day message, Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding highlighted the importance of Jamaicans honouring the legacy of their heroes.

“On each National Heroes’ Day we focus on and pay tribute to the courageous men and women who shaped our nation’s destiny. The principles of unity, social justice, and equality underpinned the struggles of our national heroes, and on National Heroes’ Day we reaffirm our commitment to those everlasting principles,” he said.

Golding noted that the national heroes — who embodied the spirit of unity, courage and determination — fought against injustice, inequality, and oppression, paving the way for freedom and progress, and their sacrifices changed the course of history in a positive direction towards emancipation and independence as a people.

“The stories of their lives highlight how we came to be the extraordinary nation we are. The struggles and sacrifices they endured have gifted us our irrepressible resilience, our deep love for freedom and justice, and our uniquely powerful creativity that is celebrated worldwide. It is the source of the resilience, confidence, and love that create for us the unlimited opportunities of the present. Their legacies continue to inspire us with hope in the greatness of our future,” he said.

Noting that social and economic justice are still elusive for many, and the negative behaviours seen in the society reflect a lack of self-belief and self-love that still has to be overcome, Golding noted that these challenges demand that we continue the work of our heroes, ensuring a Jamaica where social and economic justice is a reality for all.

“We must honour our national heroes by rising above these challenges, ensuring that all our people enjoy access to quality education and health care, decent housing, and economic opportunities for personal advancement. We must honour their legacy by protecting the rights and dignity of every Jamaican,” he said.

Golding further urged Jamaicans to continue to honour their legacy by “confronting the lingering relics of colonialism, including our head of State and our final appellate court.”

“It is time to assert our full independence, embracing the great institutions that we have helped to create, like the Caribbean Court of Justice, as we build a future rooted in our own sovereignty and guided by our common history and shared vision as a region,” he said.