Nomination Period Begins For New National Hero
The Ministry of Community, Culture and Sports today [Feb 9] announced the start of the nomination period for the selection of a new National Hero.
As of now, our five National Heroes are: Dame Lois Browne Evans, Dr. E. F. Gordon, Dr. Pauulu Kamarakafego, Sir Henry Tucker and Mary Prince.
A spokesperson said, “National Heroes Day is celebrated each year on the third Monday in June. The purpose is to honour those persons who have been officially designated as National Heroes in Bermuda. The National Hero designation is a lifetime honour that is bestowed, and once a person is named as a National Hero he or she will be a National Hero forever.”
Director of Community and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Heather Whalen stated, “The designation of National Hero is considered to be an honour bestowed on a truly extraordinary individual and it is not expected that such an individual will be identified each year. The designation of National Hero can be awarded posthumously.”
Mrs. Whalen added, “The Naming and Recognition Committee, comprised of seven members reflective of Bermuda’s history, culture and ethnicity, has been appointed by the Minister of Community, Culture and Sports Patricia Gordon Pamplin to manage the process of reviewing nominations for the national heroes designation.
“Nominations may be submitted to the Committee at any time; although National Heroes will not be selected each year. The Committee undertakes to maintain the dignity and honour of the designation of National Hero in its deliberations.“
Any member of the public including civil servants and members of the Naming and Recognition Committee can nominate an individual or group as National Hero.
Applications, guidelines and guidance notes are available online at communityandculture.bm; and hard copies at the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs –located on the 4th floor of the Dame Lois Browne Evans Building. Deadline line for submissions is 5:00 pm Friday 13 March 2015.
Who’s on the Naming and Recognition Committee?
Why not just get rid of it? One mans bad idea
Too late. This self aggrandising political fun day is now a fixture in Bermudian culture, and rightly so. Nothing reminds us more clearly about our failure as a people than a petty political flag waving day, with some bitter bickering thrown in.
Now we just need a traditional food to eat on that day and we can all argue about who cooks it properly.
Can’t wait.
It was really poorly and haphazardly implemented, more than anything. Unfortunately, the new administration seems unable or unwilling to modify or streamline the process so that we aren’t going through this nomination thing every year.
Depending on the composition of the Recognition Committee members, hopefully at least it’ll be less politically motivated.
I’ll put forward my hero ; Dr.Barbera Ball !
I second.
And Ottie.
this is just plain stupid. when they cme up with this idea they sghould have started with at least twenty names in hand to ensure continuity and relevance.
Another self congratulatory PLP idea. PATHETIC.
Bala Nadarajah contributed more to the development of the insurance industry in Bermuda than anyone I can think of.
What is the criteria that the committee uses?
How about Queen Elizabeth II.
Maybe throw a big parade. You know, marching bands and all.
Advertise the hell out of it up and down the East Coast encouraging Americans to come out.
(that’s crazy talk)
Is that something like getting recognition with out monetary compensation, where a pat on the back would more than suffice .
A problem arises when friends of friends give friends a leg up at the expense of other friends, in a nut shell , being at the right place at the right time or the wrong place at the right time.
Our National heroes have a memorial to their ultimate sacrifice located at the S.E corner of the cabinet office grounds .
let it be.
Should have left it as the Queens birthday. ..
Dumbest thing ever. How about Parents just try to be their childrens Hero…Clearly we need that on this island.
The Panel should have come up with a series of names with pictures and bios to prevents folks from nominating their uncles aunties and the like. These could have simply been posted on a website for the public to vote on. This is what happens when the 35s voice is missing. We are big on efficiency and transparency for all to see!
Why be specific…can’t we just take a day to celebrate whomever we consider our heroes to be ?
Shame on all of you who are condemning this!
I will be nominating the BFRS for all the dangerous work that they put in during Hurricane Gonzalo. Truly appreciate these men and women who were out during the storm putting their lives at risk for their country!
I nominate Stuart Hayward
Neil Burnie
Donald Lines
Teddy Tucker and Johnny Barnes…
Ya and Jinx, Scientist and Tummy Tucker.
Tommy
Please do not make this yet another racial issue. It is important that people are chosen who truly put Bermuda fiirst. Why should we nominate those that were paid to do a job for 45 years then call them heroes or heroines. At that rate, we are all heroes. On the other hand, if you have to think for a long time to come up with a name then it could well be that, the person is not necessarily a hero. We know why this day was changed originally so it is important we rise above that thinking and truly value those who have assisted Bermuda or Bermudians in any outstanding way:
A few names that come to mind are:
Sir John Swan
Dr. Stanley Ratteray
Dr. Barbara Ball
Donald Lines
Anne Cartwright DeCouto