Jamaicans Urged to Honour Heroes by Building Legacy of Peace

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, is calling on Jamaicans to honor the legacy of the nation’s heroes by working together to build a country where every citizen, regardless of background, can live in peace and dignity.

“In doing so…we will ensure that future generations can take pride in the rich inheritance we leave behind,” the Governor-General said, in his message at the National Heritage Week Thanksgiving Church Service on Sunday (Oct. 20) at the Highholborn Street Church of God in Kingston.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, read the first scripture lesson from Deuteronomy 15: 7-11, while the second scripture lesson from Ephesians 2:19-22, was read by Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding.

The Governor-General, in his message read by Custos Rotulorum of St. Thomas, Marcia Bennett, said that citizens must never forget the crucial role they play in safeguarding, promoting and protecting the country’s rich heritage.

He noted that the celebration of National Heritage Week provides an opportunity to pause, give thanks and renew our commitment to God and country.

“We give thanks to our forebearers who laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today. We give thanks for our cultural heritage which reminds us of the beauty of diversity and we give thanks for the Grace of God which continues to sustain and bless our nation,” he stated.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, in her remarks, encouraged all Jamaicans, whether at home or abroad, to embrace this special time of reflection, celebration and renewed commitment.

“Let us remember that we are one people, united by one heritage and bound by one love. As we celebrate our past, let us strive towards loving each other, let us strive forward, hand in hand, forging a brighter future for Jamaica,” she said.

Reflecting on the Heritage Week theme: ‘One Love, One People, One Heritage,’ she said it “speaks to what binds us together; unity strengthened by love, rooted in our shared history of resilience and strength.”

President of the Provincial Elders Conference of the Moravian Church in Jamaica and Cayman Islands, Rev. Barrington Daley, who delivered the sermon, said that each Jamaican has a part to play in creating a future that reflects the values of the country’s heritage.

“What kind of legacy are we leaving behind, are we passing down the values of love, justice and unity or are we leaving behind division, selfishness and greed? The baton has been passed to us, what will we do with it? The torch has been passed to us, what will we do with it? Will we let it burn brightly or will we allow it to flicker and die? We are all responsible for shaping the future. Heritage is not just about the heroes of the past, it is about the choices we make today,” he pointed out.

Heritage Week began on October 14 and culminates on October 21 with National Heroes Day.

The week included a series of activities celebrating the country’s heritage such as public lectures, exhibitions, and the observance of Paul Bogle Day on October 11.

National Heroes Day will begin with the salute to the nation’s heroes at National Heroes Park where homage will be paid to those who shaped the country’s history.

Following the tribute, the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards will be held to recognise individuals for their selfless contributions to communities and the nation.

The ceremony has been relocated to the National Indoor Sports Centre due to inclement weather.

The National Heritage Fest and Family Fun Day, originally scheduled for Devon House, has been cancelled.