Dr. James Fletcher said there is an urgent need to elevate what is positively Saint Lucian.
A new configuration of the National Heroes Commission was proposed in the House of Assembly last Tuesday, after Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister described the current composition as “problematic.”
The current legislation governing the Commission indicates that it should comprise no less than seven members appointed from the House of Assembly and the Senate.
"That formula has not worked very well [because] the members of Parliament appointed to those commissions do not always attend the meetings," Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony said. "That is one of the main reasons why, for years, we were not able to name our heroes in time."
The amendment proposes that members of the Commission be appointed by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
"So we have replaced the formula. Instead of specifying that the members shall spring from the House of Assembly and the Senate, we are now suggesting that these members can be appointed by virtue of their position in civil society."
Despite being in existence for years, the Commission, in 2015, named two national heroes–former Prime Minister Sir. John Compton, and former Chief Minister Sir George Charles.
For his part, Minister for the Public Service, Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, Sen. Hon. Dr. James Fletcher, said, this week, that the process for honoring the island's heroes must be improved.
The preservation and publicizing of such legacies is important, he said, as it can positively influence upcoming generations, however, a more permanent and enduring way must be found.
“We have to find a way to recognize the people who have made a contribution to this country and cause our young people to understand that just like the United States can talk about all of their heroes and their presidents going way back, we have heroes too; not just Mary Francis who I admire and respect for her unflinching manner in which she has championed victim’s rights in this country, but many other unsung heroes who we are not recognizing and will probably never get recognized by the National Awards.”
Dr. Fletcher said there is an urgent need to elevate what is positively Saint Lucian to counter the negative consciousness currently pervading the country.
He proposed a national museum with satellites in communities island wide, while Senator Hon. Dr. Kentry Jn. Pierre proposed a National Heroes Day to help appreciate the contribution of outstanding Saint Lucians.