Barbados is facing serious issues from globalisation and ruthless competition in goods and services, warns Prime Minister David Thompson.

But, he added Barbadians had always risen to the occasion and demonstrated the required quality of leadership.

"I have every reason to believe that the same will happen in the new dispensation," Thompson says in his National Heroes Day Message today.

". . . As we celebrate the achievements of our most excellent National Heroes, please find some time to think of these challenges that face us.

Pathways to progress

"And rest assured that my Government
in collaboration
with Her Majesty's Opposition and
all the other Social Partners will create
the conditions for
talent to rise to its ordained level and
find pathways to progress for Barbados," the Prime
Minister stated.

Thompson said that the ten National Heroes spanned 200 years of the island's history, leaving a legacy of service to the country which was characterised by courage and
sacrifice, qualities
worth emulating.

He categorised General Bussa, Sarah Ann Gill and Samuel Jackman Prescod as early freedom fighters who used their particular skills to liberate their people from bondage.

"Each and every one of them in his or her unique way resisted the injustices of their age and through principle- centred leadership,
used their various talents to advance the cause of liberating their people from bondage.

"They simply refused to accept the status quo that denied Barbadians their human rights and devoted their lives
to mobilising ordinary people to fight for what was rightfully theirs,"
he said.

The remaining seven National Heroes were a stark reminder that oppression did not end in 1838 or 1966, said Thompson, adding that the structure of our society that was forged in slavery perpetuated injustices based on race, class and status. (AC)