National Heroes’ and Heroines’ Day
by Stephanie Koathes Dec 17, 2018
December 19 is a day for Anguillans everywhere to remember and honour the heroes and heroines of the 1967 Anguilla Revolution.
Though Anguilla had been administratively dependent on St Kitts since 1825, the island’s population was not happy about the arrangement. Anguilla requested the dissolution of this state of affairs in 1825, 1873 and 1958. All petitions were ignored.
The state of St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla was formed on February 27, 1967 and the months leading up to this day had seen strong opposition.
It should not have been a complete surprise therefore when people took to the streets in May 1967 and marched on the police station protesting their ties to the government of St Kitts.
National Heroes and Heroines Day was once known as Separation Day, marking the formal separation of Anguilla from the State of St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla on December 19, 1980.
The decision several years ago to rename the day National Heroes and Heroines Day was a fitting tribute to the men and women who made sacrifices so that this separation could come to pass.
It’s a well-deserved day off from work allowing people to will flock to the beautiful beaches for family picnics and fun.
Sources: Caribbean Beat, IVisitAnguilla
