PORT ANTONIO, Portland — Vijay Popley, who died while attempting to save the lives of two of his peers from Titchfield High School, was among seven of Portland’s unsung heroes who were honoured on National Heroes Day. His father, Ian, accepted the medal on his behalf.

It was a bittersweet moment for Titchfield High’s Antwaine Burgess-Richards, who received the Badge of Honour for Gallantry for rescuing his schoolmates who were drowning during a visit to Port Antonio’s Bikini Beach on September 21, 2025. It was in that incident that Popley died while attempting to assist.

Still grieving, Burgess-Richards left as soon as he collected his medal.

But his gallantry was widely applauded by parish residents who braced the early morning showers and gathered in Port Antonio Square for the annual Heroes Day Parade and Tributes. There was the usual pomp and pageantry with the Port Antonio Marching Band leading the uniformed groups in the parade and wreaths laid to honour the country’s national heroes.

The day also saw addresses by Mayor of Port Antonio Paul Thompson; Justice of the Peace Jen-Marie Pryce, who represented Custos Lincoln Thaxter in delivering the governor general’s message; Councillor Orton Manahan, who read the prime minister’s message; and Portland Eastern Member of Parliament Isat Buchanan read the message from the opposition leader.

Seven Portlanders were honoured for their services to the Portland community, of which two were for gallantry.

Also among those who received awards was Jacqueline Brown-Gordon, a member of Jamaica Red Cross who feeds the homeless daily. She was recognised for her volunteerism.

Educator Chase Roberts, who trained Titchfield High’s Schools’ Challenge Quiz team to victory, was recognised for his service in the field of education.

Retired principal and founder of the Port Antonio Theatre Group Dr Maureen Campbell was honoured for her contribution to cultural development.

Meanwhile, Jamaica Observer writer Everard Owen, lauded for fairness and accuracy in reporting, was awarded for his work in the field of journalism.