National Heroes Remembered in Portland

Glowing tributes were paid to the country’s National Heroes during the annual Portland Heroes Day parade and tribute, held in the Port Antonio town square on October 16.
The function, which was organized by the Portland Office of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), was attended by a large gathering, including civic and political leaders in the parish.
The ceremony was highlighted by the parading of uniformed groups, including the police, cadets and the fire service, the laying of flowers and the reading of tributes to the heroes, and the presentation of cultural items by schools and cultural groups in the parish.
Among those placing flowers were Daphne Armstrong, Senior Justice of the Peace, who represented the Custos of Portland, Hon. Roy Thompson; Mayor of Port Antonio, Councillor Benny White; Member of Parliament for Eastern Portland, Dr. Donald Rhodd, and Dennis Wright, who represented Opposition Leader, Bruce Golding.
The tributes to the heroes were done by members of the Port Antonio Theatre Group and students of the Hill Preparatory School, the Fellowship Primary and Junior High School, Norwich Primary School, Port Antonio Primary School, Titchfield High School and Boundbrook Primary School.
Messages from the country’s leaders were also read. The message from the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall was read by Mrs. Armstrong; Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller’s message was read by Dr. Rhodd, and Leader of the Opposition, Bruce Golding’s message was read by Mr. Wright.
Cynthia Perry, Chairman of the Portland Cultural Committee welcomed those in attendance, and reminded them of the significant contribution the National Heroes have made to the process of national development.
She said the great deeds and noble qualities for which they are remembered should be embraced and emulated by all well thinking Jamaicans, adding that it was also important to fully appreciate the quiet but very important work the many unsung heroes are doing in communities to create social and economic development.