2025 National Heroes Day Message by Prime Minister Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis

This address, delivered on National Heroes Day in St. Kitts and Nevis, serves as a powerful tribute to the nation’s founding figures and a call to action for its citizens. It weaves together historical reflection, national pride, and a forward-looking vision for sustainable progress, emphasizing the interconnectedness of past struggles and future aspirations. The speaker eloquently connects the sacrifices of the National Heroes to the present-day responsibilities of the citizenry, urging them to embrace the legacy of their forebears and contribute to the ongoing narrative of nation-building.

The speech begins by acknowledging the profound significance of the day, honoring the National Heroes whose courage and vision paved the way for the nation’s independence. It underscores the enduring relevance of their struggle, emphasizing that their fight for freedom and dignity was not for themselves alone but for generations to come. The theme of “Perpetual Progress – A Sustainable Future in View: Independence 42” serves as a guiding principle, highlighting the continuous journey towards a resilient and prosperous future.

The speaker then meticulously paints individual portraits of each National Hero, highlighting their unique contributions to the foundation of the Federation. Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw’s courage and sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom, Sir Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell’s dedication to social progress and the upliftment of workers, Sir Joseph Nathaniel France’s focus on the nation’s health, Sir Simeon Daniel’s advocacy for Nevis’s dignity and self-determination within the Federation, and Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds’s resilient leadership during the transition to sovereignty are all acknowledged as essential pillars of the nation’s identity. The speaker emphasizes that their collective vision forms not just the nation’s history, but a charge to protect their legacy and build upon it.

Beyond the recognized National Heroes, the speech broadens the scope of recognition to encompass the unsung heroes – the ordinary men and women whose everyday acts of resilience and unwavering belief in a better tomorrow laid the groundwork for the national movement. The speaker highlights the collective strength of ancestors who dared to dream of liberty and demand justice, acknowledging their crucial role in providing the foundation upon which the National Heroes could build. This inclusive approach emphasizes that national progress is a collective endeavor, built upon the contributions of all citizens, past and present.

The address then pivots to the contemporary challenges facing the nation. It acknowledges that the struggles of today differ from those of the past, shifting from the fight for political independence to the pursuit of a sustainable future. This future, the speaker argues, necessitates responsible stewardship of natural resources, the embrace of renewable energy, and the protection of the environment. It also requires economic transformation that creates opportunities for all while protecting the most vulnerable, and the establishment of a society where healthcare, education, housing, and justice are fundamental rights.

Expanding on the concept of sustainability, the speaker emphasizes that it encompasses more than just environmental concerns. A truly sustainable future, they argue, must also prioritize the well-being of its people. It must ensure that no young person is left behind, that workers earn fair wages, that entrepreneurs have the space to innovate, that families can thrive, and that the nation’s rich culture and heritage continue to flourish. This holistic view of sustainability underscores the importance of social equity and cultural preservation alongside environmental responsibility.

In the closing section, the speech becomes a powerful exhortation. The speaker urges citizens to embody the same courage, conviction, and hope that defined the National Heroes. They call upon them to write the next chapters of the nation’s story with purpose and determination, recognizing themselves as inheritors of the heroes’ vision and stewards of their dream. The speaker challenges the audience to leave a legacy worthy of their predecessors, one where future generations can look back and see that they honored the past by securing the future.

The address culminates in a call to individual heroism, not in the pursuit of personal glory, but through faithful service, diligent work, and a deep love for the nation. It emphasizes that each citizen can be a hero in their own time by contributing to the collective good. The final words invoke divine blessings upon St. Kitts and Nevis, encapsulating the spirit of hope and faith in the nation’s continued progress. This concluding sentiment reinforces the message of unity and shared responsibility for the future.