Honouring our heroes

THE COUNTRY should be particularly pleased with the national awards presented yesterday evening at President’s House since they serve to recognise, apart from meritorious and devoted service to the nation, the outstanding bravery, courage and exceptional sporting achievements of our people. Although no one was honoured with the Trinity Cross this year, the list of national awards was especially inspirational, giving us ample reason to be proud as it included a number of genuine heroes and heroines whose action lift our spirits in a time of gloom and disenchantment. Two teenage girl students feature prominently among this courageous group, Veera Bhajan of Felicity and Ronda Charles of Claxton Bay who both received the Humming Bird Medal (Silver).

Veera’s achievement is quite remarkable; although born without arms she has emerged as one of the brightest students at St Augustine Girls High School. Her triumph over that physical handicap was demonstrated in her success in this year’s ‘O’ Level CXC examinations; she obtained seven passes with five distinctions. As she pursues her dream of becoming an attorney, Veera will remain an inspiration to every young person in our country. The bravery displayed by Ronda Charles was also quite exceptional; the Claxton Bay teenager risked her life by rushing into a blazing house to save the lives of a 76-year-old blind woman and her seven-month old grand daughter. When she heard the cries for help 17-year-old Ronda did not hesitate to respond. How many other persons, adults included, would voluntarily perform such an act of heroism?

Acting Inspector Edward Williams became a national hero when he laid his life on the line to stop a gang of armed bandits from raiding the St Augustine home of Dr Marjorie Thorpe where ex-President Arthur NR Robinson and other guests were having dinner. Williams, then serving as Mr Robinson’s bodyguard, was shot to death by the assailants. Posthumously, he was another hero honoured last night, being awarded the Humming Bird Medal (Gold). In the field of sport, two outstanding achievers, swimmer George Bovell III and professional golfer Stephen Ames were honoured with the Chaconia Medal (Gold). Both these sportsmen have brought distinction to our country against the best international competition and they exemplify the kind of dedication, commitment and discipline that is critically needed by so many performers in this arena, particularly by those who represent our region in Test cricket.

Bovell, 21, created sporting history in the English speaking Caribbean this year by breaking the world record in the 200 metre IM at the NCAA championships in New York last March and by bringing home the first Olympics swimming medal, bronze, which he won at Athens two weeks ago. Ames has been a prominent player on the PGA tour for several years winning a number of these prestigious tournaments. Those who serve our country and contribute conscientiously to various sectors are, of course, deserving of national recognition, but we are particularly pleased that this year we can recognise the acts and achievements of a number of true heroes who tell us something special about ourselves. While criminals may terrify us, we know our people can also do and achieve great and courageous things.