National Heroes dissed

THE EDITOR, Sir:

On National Heroes Day, there was a Special Advertising Feature in The Gleaner wherein there were informative fast facts about our National Heroes.

All members of the Order of National Hero are entitled to be styled ‘The ‘Right Excellent’. However, none was so styled. But the only one that was styled was the one who had the British colonial title, that is Sir Alexander Bustamante. Why was he not styled ‘The Rt Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante’?

Read again and notice that whenever our seven National Heroes are listed none is given the local title, but one is always given the British colonial title. In the 60th year of our Independence, it showed that greater recognition is given to British colonial titles than our own. It is perpetuating the thinking that British colonial things and institutions are more worthwhile than our own.

This is not nitpicking because I heard a question asked on the Schools Challenge of a student: ‘Who was Jamaica’s first prime minister?’ The student answered ‘Alexander Bustamante’ and the quizmaster said it was wrong because it should be ‘Sir Alexander Bustamante’. The judges did not overrule the quizmaster. We are training the young to venerate the British Empire.

This imperial British colonial mindset was also evident when most people were quick to change from ‘QC’ to ‘KC’, even though one constitutional lawyer said it was not automatic. This quick change was to show respect and veneration of their new King. Things can change fast when we want to. But for years I have been talking about our National Heroes being dissed and seeing no change to the styling.

There needs to be a greater appreciation and pride in our local honours and titles, rather than British colonial titles and honours. This is part of developing our national identity and respect towards Jamaicans and things local.

REV DEVON DICK