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Central Kingstown representative, St. Clair Leacock (File photo).
Central Kingstown representative, St. Clair Leacock (File photo).

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, March 15, IWN – An opposition parliamentarian says it seems that the longer one remains in politics the less likely they are to be declared a national hero.

Speaking on Thursday — National Heroes Day — at the Wreath-Laying Ceremony at The Obelisk in honour of National Hero Joseph Chatoyer in Dorsetshire Hill, St. Clair Leacock noted performers’ reflections on the wonderful work of Chatoyer

“And it also captured my own imagination that the less we know about someone, perhaps the more they qualify for national heroship,” the Central Kingstown representative said.

“It may well be true, therefore, that perhaps, in our lifetime, there will be no national heroes for a long, long time. Yet, it is an opportunity for us to reflect on self, and on country and understand the values of selfless service, and country before person. Because, clearly, those are captured in our recognition of the Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer,” said Leacock, who represented the Opposition at the ceremony.

Leacock further said that recognition of the nation’s heroes should also be accompanied by national awards.

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“It is most fitting that we combine them all and that this day be a grand, national day across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

He further said that one’s life should be shared selflessness but noted that lauding of the lives of persons being proposed as national heroes are equally rebutted with statements about their failures.

“I pause to say that even as I look around and I hear around me other presentations, the question is raised as to whether the longer you stay in politics, the more you disqualify yourself for national heroship.”

He said there are debates all around St. Vincent and the Grenadines about the nation’s aspiration and the direction in which it should go.

“There is much for us to be grateful for as Vincentians and as a people and for those who have come before us and have struggled hard.

“I make one exhortation this morning: Let not these contributions go up in smoke” Leacock said.