All of Jamaica’s National Heroes are interred in National Heroes Park in Kingston and are remembered on ‘National Heroes Day’ each year on October 15.
Marcus Garvey (St Ann) was declared our first national hero and is recognized for instilling in Jamaicans pride in the worth of their black colour.
Paul Bogle (St Thomas) was the leader of the Morant Bay uprising in 1865 , a martyr who gave his life on behalf of the impoverished black people of his parish and Jamaica and whose actions led to political and social change in the country.
George William Gordon (St Andrew) was associated with Paul Bogle and like him was hanged for his ‘supposed’ role in the Morant Bay Uprising. Our Parliament Building Gordon House is named in his memory.
Alexander Bustamente (Hanover) is considered the founder of the modern labour movement in Jamaica and was the country’s first Prime Minister in Independence.
Norman Manley (Manchester) is honoured as ‘The Father of Independence’ having led the movement for ending our colonial status and established the foundation for nationhood along with Alexander Bustamante.
Nanny ( Portland) better known as “Nanny of the Maroons” or “Queen Nanny” was a Maroon Chieftanness who fought a successful battle against the British to maintain the freedom and integrity of the Jamaican Maroons. She is the only female national hero.
Samuel Sharpe (St James) also known as “Daddy Sharpe” was also martyred for his role in the ‘Christmas Rebellion’ of 1831 which is acknowledged by historians as the event that led to the final abolition of slavery in Jamaica and the British Caribbean.
