The Government of National Unity has commenced the process of selecting national heroes of the Virgin Islands who once selected will be introduced into the curriculum of schools across the territory.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley made the disclosure on Monday as the territory celebrated Heroes and Foreparents Day.
He said a committee has already been established to determine who the set of individuals will be.
“Cabinet has established a committee tasked with proposing a list of national heroes. These are individuals whose feet are so incredibly noteworthy and special that they deserve recognition on a national and historic basis,” he said.
“Once Cabinet approves the proposed list, along with the corresponding protocols, the House of Assembly will have the opportunity to debate a resolution which will officially designate these individuals as national heroes. These heroes will then be taught in our schools and enshrined in the national conscience,” he added.
Premier Wheatley also spoke on the significance of the territory having heroes and sheroes.
He said, “As we celebrate today, let’s remember, we still need heroes and sheroes. Heroes and sheroes who will fight for reform for our institutions and strengthen good governance, but also heroes and sheroes who will fight for the right to participate in the process and uphold democratic governance.”
He continued, “We must continue the journey our ancestors began, inspired by their tireless and unyielding commitment to Virgin Islands growth, progressive development and national success.”
Dr. Wheatley said it was these heroes and sheroes who sacrificed plenty to get the BVI to where it is to date.
“As we reflect on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry and seek to improve areas of governance where we have identified weaknesses, it is important to remember that we have also made tremendous progress. Though looking at our past as sometimes painful, our story is a testament to the triumphant spirit of the virgin islander. We survived the cruelty of slavery and worked and bought our freedom. After the collapse of the plantation economy, our industrious innovative fore parents fashioned livelihoods out of the rocky soil and the tumultuous seeds,” he explained.