Names of women are among those to be considered for National Hero. According to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the National Advisory Committee on National Heroes, has put forward a number of names for consideration including one of National Hero, Joseph Chatoyer’s five wives.
Speaking on the occasion of National Heroes Day at Dorsetshire Hill, Dr. Gonsalves said “We should look perhaps at a few other names, including women, who have not yet emerged and various names have been suggested including the person whom history suggest was Chatoyer’s favourite spouse, but there are other women whose names have been suggested.”
The Prime Minister further added that “we examine the specific case of one or more women so we do not give the appearance at all, that the question of national heroes is essentially a patriarchal exercise without regard for women who may well rise to the status of national hero.”
So far, the four names up for consideration, which have been made public are all males; George Augustus McIntosh, Dr. John Pamenus Eustace, Ebenezer Theodore Joshua and Robert Milton Cato.
The Prime Minister also said the Government will consider March 9th as a day of recognition for the Garifuna and Kallinago people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
In 2002, the Right Excellent Paramount Chief, Joseph Chatoyer was declared National Hero of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and March 14th named National Heroes Day.