UPP salutes National Heroes on its day of recognition with special acknowledgement of Sir Viv

Continuing with its annual recognition of the country’s national
heroes, the United Progressive Party (UPP) visited their burial sites
and the bust of the Father of the Nation to pay homage to their
outstanding contributions to nation building.
 
In the tradition adopted since its tenure in office, the UPP observes
National Heroes Day on December 9 each year. 
 
However, because the day fell on a Saturday, it was observed on
Monday, December 11, instead, with the Party paying special tribute
and saluting the country’s only living Hero, Sir Isaac Vivian
Alexander Richards, on his latest accolade.
 
Sir Viv was honoured by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB)
on December 1, when his image on a new $2 banknote was unveiled.
 
In saluting the Party’s Heroes – the late Sir Vere C. Bird, Dame Nellie
Robinson, Sir George Walter, and King Court, and Sir Viv members –
representatives visited their memorial sites, where short addresses
highlighting their contributions were made.
 
In acknowledging the latest tribute paid to Sir Viv, who capped last
year’s award of the Order of CARICOM with his image being
imprinted on the new banknote, the UPP – on behalf of all patriotic
nationals and citizens – reiterated its gratitude to the cricketing icon
for his elevation of Antigua and Barbuda to the regional and
international stages.
 
According to the Party, he was not only an exemplar of sporting
excellence, but of humility, dignity, service and principle.

 
It was noted that no other person in the history of Antigua and
Barbuda has cast the country “in a positive light more than Sir Viv
has done-throughout the Commonwealth and beyond – and our
people are grateful for the opportunity to recognize and reward him
for this.”
 
“Congratulations, Sir Viv, the Pride of the Ovals Community; the
Antigua Grammar School; the West Indies Cricket Team; and Antigua
and Barbuda!” the UPP statement concluded.