Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding have urged Jamaicans to uphold the values of discipline, unity, and compassion that defined the struggles of the nation’s forebears, reminding citizens on National Heroes’ Day that every act of service keeps Jamaica’s heroic spirit alive.

Observed annually on the third Monday in October, National Heroes’ Day honours the sacrifices of the seven Jamaicans who helped shape the nation’s path to freedom, self-determination, and progress. But beyond wreath-laying ceremonies and official tributes, this year’s observance comes at a time when leaders are calling for a renewed sense of purpose and civic responsibility amid rising social and economic challenges.

In his National Heroes’ Day message, Holness said the celebration was a reminder of Jamaica’s “story written in courage and conviction”.

He paid tribute to the nation’s heroes, describing them as the “embodiment of courage, faith, intellect, sacrifice, and love of country”, and urged Jamaicans to see their heritage as more than a historical memory.

“Our heritage is not something locked away in the pages of history. It is a living call, a charge to each of us to carry forward the values of discipline, hard work, respect, and love for one another. Our forebears fought so that we could live purposefully, and we must guard our freedom with great vigilance and commitment. If we are to honour the legacy of our heroes, we must return to the principles that made us who we are: respect for law, reverence for God, and pride in honest work,” he said.

Linking those values to national progress, the prime minister noted that the Government’s efforts in housing, education, and technology were part of building on that legacy, and he emphasised that true nation-building rests in character and citizenship.

“But the greatest work lies not in the infrastructure we build, but in our character. It lies in teaching our youth that patriotism is a lifestyle; that to love Jamaica is to serve her with excellence, to protect her from harm, and to lift her name with pride wherever we go,” Holness added.

He also extended his definition of heroism beyond history’s great figures, saluting everyday Jamaicans who serve with integrity — from teachers and nurses to farmers and security personnel — calling them “the continuation of that proud and bold heritage”.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Mark Golding’s message struck a similarly reflective tone, describing the country’s national heroes as “towering figures of our history, on whose shoulders we stand”.

“Through their courage and sacrifice, they laid the foundation for a Jamaica where our aspiration is for freedom rooted in justice, progress forged in unity, and leadership grounded in service…The strength, determination and courage of our national heroes are a guiding light as we navigate the challenges of today. They remind us that every generation must continue the struggle for justice, equality, and opportunity. They inspire us to strive for a Jamaica worthy of their legacy,” said Golding.

Golding also renewed his call for cultural icons Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley and Louise Bennett-Coverley (“Miss Lou”) to be recognised as National Heroes, noting that their music, poetry, and advocacy for Jamaican identity had inspired generations both locally and abroad.

Paying tribute to what he described as “modern examples of heroism”, the Opposition leader lauded Jamaicans who exercised their right to vote “without indulging in the malignant influence of money or other corrupt influences” during the September 2025 general election.

“In exercising your choice based on your belief and conscience, you embraced the very ideals that our national heroes fought to secure. Your honest participation demonstrated your commitment to shaping Jamaica’s future and reaffirmed that the spirit of our ancestors endures in our people,” he said.

Yet, even as he celebrated Jamaica’s resilience, Golding expressed concern over the recent rise in violence and suicides impacting the island.

“In the face of these challenges, let us choose empathy over anger, unity over division, and hope over despair. Let us stand together as one people, united in purpose, bound together in our love for our country, and determined to build a Jamaica where peace, equality, and opportunity become realities for all,” Golding implored.

Both leaders’ messages converged on a single theme — the legacy of Jamaica’s national heroes lives not just in the nation’s monuments or history books, but in the everyday acts of courage, compassion, and service that keep their vision alive.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (Photo: Naphtali Junior)