Prime Minister's Heroes Day Message

Brothers and Sisters,

Today, as we commemorate another Heroes Day, we stand on the shoulders of giants—our national heroes—whose sacrifices have paved the way for the progress we now celebrate as a nation. We stand on their shoulders to see the vision for our country. And from the ruins of history we will build a successful and prosperous country in fulfillment of the vision of our forefathers and our national heroes.

Nanny fought for the freedom of the Maroons with strategic brilliance.

Sam Sharpe, affectionately known as "Daddy Sharpe," led his people with intellect and compassion to stand up for their rights.

George William Gordon advocated tirelessly for social and economic empowerment.

Paul Bogle demanded dignity and a better life for all Jamaicans.

Norman Manley laid the foundation for political independence.

Sir Alexander Bustamante passionately championed the poor and working class and the economic development of the country.

Marcus Mosiah Garvey inspired us to think and act positively, striving for economic independence and self-empowerment.

Their legacies are a reminder of our responsibility to carry forward their mission. As we reflect on their legacy, let us consider the strides we have made as a nation.

This year, we are proud to highlight significant achievements that honor the spirit of our heroes:

Our economy is in the strongest position it has been since independence. We have halved our debt in the past 10 years. Unemployment is at a historic low. Our reserves are at record high levels. We are bringing inflation down and are taking steps to reduce the cost of living.

We are investing the dividends from our strong economic management in improving the lives of our people to make life easier for all Jamaicans.

Hundreds of Jamaicans have been lifted out of poverty with houses built for the most vulnerable.

100 new buses have been added to the JUTC fleet and another 100 is coming very soon.

The NSWMA recently received 50 new garbage trucks and hundreds of NSWMA workers are now permanently employed in their positions.

Those whose homes were impacted by Hurricane Beryl are receiving cash grants of up to 400,000 JMD to effect repairs.

Water is being delivered across Jamaica to communities that have been waiting for decades, with the latest project in Shettlewood, in south St. James where I recently opened that project.

We have commenced the SPARK programme, the most comprehensive programme for road repairs ever in Jamaica. $45B allocated from our budget. Very soon you will start to see roads being repaired in your community.

Now, We are looking after our pensioners as well. We introduced the New Social Pension Programme and have increased NIS pensions and the tax-free portion of pension benefits.

We are caring for the most vulnerable in our society by increasing PATH programme allocations.

We are providing opportunities for more Jamaicans to uplift themselves by acquiring skills through the HEART NSTA Trust, free of charge.

We have also removed the guarantor requirement for student loans.

The significant investments we have made in our national security are paying off. Crime is now at the lowest level in [24 years] and murders are down by 19%.

For nine consecutive years, we have introduced no new net taxes, giving businesses and individuals confidence to invest. In fact, we are now giving back to taxpayers earning less than $3 million with the first-ever reverse tax credit of $20,000. When has that ever happened in Jamaica?

Morant Bay 

I stand before you today at the Old Courthouse in St. Thomas, where Paul Bogle, our national hero ignited the flames of justice during the Morant Bay Rebellion. What was once known as the forgotten parish is now rising as the beacon of Jamaica’s renaissance.

St. Thomas is no longer overlooked; it is at the heart of our nation’s transformation. With groundbreaking investments, including the new highway stretching from Harbour View to Port Antonio, we are opening the whole eastern section of the island to a new frontier of economic growth and opportunity.  As a lasting tribute to his legacy, the section of the highway from Bull Bay to Morant Bay will be proudly named the “Paul Bogle Highway.”  

From the Old Courthouse in Morant Bay to this new modern Courthouse in the Morant Bay Urban Centre we are fulfilling the vision of Paul Bogle for a prosperous and just society.

The Morant Bay Urban Centre, now under construction, stands as a beacon of transformation. Along with major infrastructure projects, it represents a bright future for St. Thomas and Jamaica as a whole. The development reflects our government’s commitment to building a prosperous and equitable society, where every Jamaican, no matter their background, has the access to the opportunities to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.

National Icon

This Heroes Day, I am very pleased to announce that the Government has done the preliminary work and will be moving forward with the legal process to introduce a new national honour, the “Order of National Icon.  On completion of the legal process, the Order of National Icon will be conferred on the Honourable Louise Bennett Coverly (“Miss Lou”) and the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley.  

This will be a most well deserved and long overdue recognition of their legendary contributions to Jamaican culture and music. Both Miss Lou and Bob Marley stand as towering figures in the preservation and global elevation of Jamaica’s cultural heritage. Miss Lou’s work in promoting Jamaican Patois and folk traditions has cemented her as a pioneer of our national identity, while Bob Marley’s music transcended borders, making him an international ambassador of reggae and a symbol of resistance to oppression and a beacon of unity and love. Their impact on the world stage is immeasurable, and this recognition honours not only their individual legacies but also the indomitable spirit of Jamaica.

Heroes of Our Time

We are crafting a Jamaica that honours the legacy of our heroes while building a future of opportunity and equity for all.

Today, as we honor our heroes, let us not forget that their mission is not yet complete. It is now our responsibility to carry their legacy forward. Each one of us is called upon to be a hero of our time—to work tirelessly for a Jamaica that is peaceful, productive, and prosperous, where every citizen lives with pride and dignity.

Let us shape the future that our heroes envisioned—a future where every Jamaican can thrive.

Let us keep building and transforming Jamaica, transformation in action.

As I stand in the new and evolving St. Thomas, look around, we must be committed to building and being active in the transformation of not only our personal lives but the transformation of our community and the transformation of the wider Jamaica.
Happy Heroes Day, Jamaica!