Jamaicans Encouraged to Reflect on Work and Struggles of National Heroes

Custos of St. Catherine, Reverend Sophia Azan has called on Jamaicans to reflect on the work and struggles of the National Heroes and Heroine, who had demonstrated concern and love for their fellowmen. “Because of their love and concern for their fellowmen, they stood up for justice, brotherhood, peace and unity and they all gave selflessly of themselves,” she pointed out.
Rev. Azan was speaking yesterday (October 13), at a Floral Tribute to the Ancestors, held at the Phillipo Baptist Church in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.The event was organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), in association with the St. Catherine Parish Council, and formed part of activities for Heritage Week (October 10 to 18).
Rev. Azan said the National Heroes had sacrificed their lives fighting for the freedom of all citizens, adding that citizens should be concerned about the crime and violence in the society and involve themselves in finding solutions to solve the problem.
“These heroes we celebrate today were part of the solution to the problems and gave willingly of themselves and so today we stand saluting them. We now need to take a page out of their books. Let us do our part, no matter how small, and bring about peace and harmony,” she said. Other speakers at the function were Mayor Notice and Historian, Robin Small.
Following the ceremony, Rev. Azan and the Mayor of Spanish Town, Dr. Raymoth Notice placed flowers at the base of a monument in front of the church.
Other Heritage Week activities in the parish include a church service at the Holy Spirit Anglican Church in Portmore on October 17, beginning at 7:30 a.m. and on Heroes Day, October 18, civic and award ceremonies will be held at the Portmore Pines Plaza car park and at the Emancipation Square in Spanish Town, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., respectively.