National Hero’s Day in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
National Hero’s Day is a public holiday in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, observed on March 14 in memory of Joseph Chatoyer. The day connects the country’s public calendar with the history of Indigenous resistance and the recognition of Chatoyer as its first national hero.[1][2]
A public holiday with a national history
The Government lists National Heroes’ Day among the country’s public holidays and places it on March 14. The date was named National Heroes Day in 2002, when Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer was declared a national hero.[1][2]
March 14 recalls Chatoyer’s death during the 1795 fighting at Dorsetshire Hill. The Ministry of Tourism’s account describes him as a Carib chief who joined Duvallier there and took command during the conflict with English forces. It recounts differing accounts of how Chatoyer was killed, so the precise circumstances remain uncertain in that official history.[3]
Chatoyer and the meaning of the day
Chatoyer is honored for leading resistance to British colonial forces and defending his people and their land. Government material identifies him as the country’s first national hero; a government report on the 2002 designation calls him a fighter for self-determination and independence.[2][4]
The remembrance also has a wider Indigenous and Garifuna context. At a wreath-laying ceremony at Dorsetshire Hill, government officials, Vincentians and visiting members of a Garifuna delegation gathered to pay homage to Chatoyer. The government report describes his legacy in terms of courage, resilience and determination.[5]
How it is observed
The best-documented public observance is a wreath-laying ceremony at the Obelisk in Dorsetshire Hill, associated with Chatoyer’s story. A government report describes a gathering there that included members of the public, officials and Garifuna visitors.[5]
The government’s cultural calendar identifies March as National Heroes and Heritage Month and lists National Heroes Day on March 14. Government reporting on a past Heroes Day programme also records a wreath-laying ceremony at Dorsetshire Hill, with government officials, embassies, the Garifuna Heritage Foundation and other Indigenous community groups.[1][6]
The ceremony included Vincentians, a Garifuna delegation and members of the diplomatic corps.[5]
Planning around the holiday
Government offices are closed for the public holiday. Check opening arrangements with banks, shops and transport providers before making plans.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is National Hero’s Day?
Is it a public holiday?
Yes. The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines lists National Heroes’ Day among the country’s public holidays.[1]
Who is honored?
What is open on National Hero’s Day?
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for National Hero′s Day in St. Vincent & Grenadines:
- Public Holidays- Office of the Prime Minister, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Women Soon To Be Among National Heroes- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Agency for Public Information
- SVG National Hero: Joseph Chatoyer- Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Tourism Highlights, Issue 2- Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Balliceaux - Righting Historic Wrong- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Agency for Public Information
- Visitors: Annual Festivals- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines