Antigua and Barbuda Honours Six National Heroes Today

Antigua and Barbuda will honour its six national heroes today, Monday, October 26, with a wreath-laying ceremony at Heroes Park on Sir Sydney Walling Highway.

Scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., the National Heroes Day observance forms part of celebrations marking the country’s 45th anniversary of independence.

The ceremony will pay tribute to Prince Klaas, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., Sir George Herbert Walter, Sir Lester Bryant Bird, Dame Georgiana Ellen “Nellie” Robinson and Sir Vivian Richards, whose contributions helped shape the nation’s history and identity.

Prince Klaas, also known as King Court, is remembered for his role in planning an uprising against slavery in 1736. Although the plot was discovered before it could be carried out and he was executed, his resistance remains a significant part of the country’s struggle for freedom.

The political legacies of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., the nation’s first prime minister; former premier Sir George Herbert Walter; and former prime minister Sir Lester Bryant Bird will also be recognised for their contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s development.

Dame Nellie Robinson’s pioneering work in education broke racial and class barriers and widened access to learning. She founded the Thomas Oliver Robinson Memorial School in 1898, creating educational opportunities for children who faced exclusion.

Sir Vivian Richards, the country’s only living national hero, is celebrated for his outstanding achievements in cricket and the international recognition he brought to Antigua and Barbuda.

The observance offers an opportunity to reflect on the courage, service and achievement represented by the six honourees, six days before the nation marks 45 years of independence on November 1.