Happy National Heroes Day, Jamaica! 🇯🇲Jamaica Live — Honouring Our National Heroes.

🇯🇲 “Resilient People with a Proud Heritage” — As Jamaica celebrates National Heroes Day!
Mon-Oct 19, 2026.

We proudly honour our seven National Heroes: the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, Sir Alexander Bustamante, Norman Washington Manley, Samuel Sharpe, and Queen Nanny of the Maroons.

(The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey)-(1887 – 1940) – Pioneered the global Pan-Africanism and Black nationalism movements in the early 1900s. (1964) – Declared Jamaica’s very first National Hero when his body was returned to the island.

Paul Bogle (1822 – 1865) –Led the historic Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865 to demand structural justice. (1969) – Conferred posthumously when the system of national honors was formally established.

George William Gordon (1820 – 1865) – Executed for defending the civil rights of newly freed poor people in the mid-1800s. He was given the title alongside Paul Bogle in 1969 to rectify historical injustice, as he had been wrongfully executed by colonial authorities for his political advocacy.

(The Right Excellent Norman Washington Manley) (1893 – 1969) A brilliant lawyer, statesman, and founder of the People’s National Party (PNP). He spearheaded negotiations for constitutional reform and universal adult suffrage, steering the nation closer to self-governance. The title was conferred posthumously in late 1969, shortly after his death in September late 1969. , honoring his role as a principal architect of Jamaica’s independence.

Sir Alexander Bustamante(1884 – 1977) –Spearheaded the 1930s labor movement and became the first Prime Minister in 1962. (1969) Conferred while he was still alive, making him the only living recipient to ever walk the island with the title.

SAMUEL SHARPE (1801 – 1832) –Orchestrated the 1831 Baptist War (Christmas Rebellion) which accelerated the abolition of slavery. (1975) – Added alongside Queen Nanny to recognize anti-slavery rebellion leaders. After a review to include foundational anti-slavery leaders, the government officially proclaimed him a National Hero on March 31, 1975.

Queen Nanny of the Maroons (c. 1686 – c. 1755) – Led guerrilla warfare against British forces in the early 1700s. (1975/1976) – Proclaimed as the final person and the only woman to date added to the official list.

Their courage, sacrifices and unwavering determination helped shape Jamaica’s journey towards freedom, justice, independence and nationhood. Their contributions remain an enduring testament to the strength and resilience of the Jamaican people, inspiring generations to preserve our heritage and build upon their legacy.

Happy National Heroes Day, Jamaica! 🇯🇲
Jamaica Live — Honouring Our National Heroes.