BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, September 24, 2018 (PLP PR Media Inc.) — While the five National Heroes whose life-size bronze statues were unveiled on Monday September 17 at the National Heroes Park were males, Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris has hinted it might have been an oversight that no female is among them. He has advised that his administration is looking towards making correction.
“Your government is mindful that no females currently grace the pantheon of our National Heroes,” said Prime Minister as he delivered the feature address at the colourful ceremony that was attended by thousands of citizens and residents led by the Governor General His Excellency Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton.
“It may have been an oversight but we are looking towards correction,” observed Dr Harris. “It is an issue we plan to address as gender equity represents an important plank of our policy platform for balanced development, which seeks to ensure that no one is left behind. We recall that landmark social and legislative reforms to advance women and children were realised with the naming of Her Excellency Constance Mitcham as Minister of Gender Affairs.”
Prime Minister Harris told the cheering thousands of citizens and residents that had converged at the National Heroes Park that the Team Unity Government, which he has the honour to lead, is committed to strengthening and safeguarding the legacy of all the country’s National Heroes, adding that is why the administration developed the beautiful park.
“It is no surprise that the observance of National Heroes Day and Independence Day always happens to be days apart – the 16th and the 19th,” observed Prime Minister Harris. “It reflects the existence of a symbiotic relationship between the two. Independence was won largely through the sacrificial struggles of our National Heroes who we honour today. In addition to the unveiling of life-size bronze statues of our heroes today, there are two other initiatives relating to our National Heroes which are worthy of note.”
He announced that his government is seeking to convert the former residence of the country’s first Premier, the Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, into a museum where residents and visitors can go to learn about his life and times.
“I am happy to say that no better a person could be have been found to provide leadership and support to this than our esteemed Governor General Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton, and he advised me two weeks ago that this project is advancing apace,” noted Prime Minister Harris. “Good things are happening, and more good things are coming.”
In the second initiative, advised Dr Harris, the abandoned Buckley’s plantation is being redeveloped for preservation as a national heritage site of national significance. He announced: “Cabinet has approved a committee and I am pleased to report that Senator Akilah Byron-Nisbett chairs the Committee spearheading this national effort. We are looking forward to hear from them and their work.”