( L - R ) Golding, Simpson-Miller

Prime Minister Bruce Golding is urging the nation to use the sacrifices of our National Heroes, and the outstanding role they played in our development, as a tool for economic and social development.

Mr. Golding said that even while we salute our National Heroes, we must also recognise the countless others who have helped to shape the development of our nation.

"We have a duty to protect that heritage, to build upon it, strengthen it, enrich it and use it as a powerful tool for economic and social development. We must be vigilant, for in a world in which change is so blistering and mind-boggling, a world in which communication is so instantaneous and interaction among different people so intense, there are many forces that can overwhelm our culture and our heritage and undermine our uniqueness as a people.

"Our values are being buffeted by other values that are not part of our heritage. We are in danger of losing confidence in who we are, losing an appreciation for where we are coming from and losing sight of where we want to go. It was Marcus Garvey who declared that, "a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."

Mr. Golding observed that our values are being buffeted by other values that are not part of Jamaica's heritage.

And in her heritage week message, Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller says showing respect for our heritage is part of a serious commitment to our nation.

"Showing respect for our heritage is part of a serious commitment to our nation, which we demonstrate when we think, feel, speak, act and react in ways that will lift up our people.

Take the hero's journey

"All seven of our National Heroes were committed to improving the conditions of their fellow men and women by taking human development to the next level. They dedicated their lives to a purpose, which they considered greater than individual self-interest."

Mrs. Simpson Miller suggested that Jamaica is in need of more people who will take the hero's journey by serving a cause greater than themselves. She added that violence is the biggest of our challenges which must be defeated.

"It does not matter whether we look at violence from the Government or Opposition benches, the conclusion is the same. The violence must stop," she said.