Discover the stories and sites that shaped Jamaica’s freedom and identity

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, October 14, 2025 – Every October, Jamaica honors the visionaries who fought for the island’s freedom, equality, and self-determination. National Heroes’ Day, observed on the third Monday of October, celebrates seven Jamaicans whose courage and conviction shaped the nation’s identity: Marcus Garvey, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, Norman Manley, Sir Alexander Bustamante, Nanny of the Maroons, and Samuel Sharpe.

While the official wreath-laying ceremony takes place at National Heroes’ Park in Kingston on October 20th, visitors can also trace the legacies of these icons across the island.

“The spirit of Jamaica’s National Heroes’ lives on in every parish, every community, and every story told across our island,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism. “From the Maroon strongholds of Portland to Garvey’s birthplace in St. Ann, these sites form a living museum of resilience and pride that continues to inspire our people and our visitors alike.”

Join Jamaicans in celebration this October by visiting these sites, attending local ceremonies, and exploring National Heroes’ Park in Kingston, where all seven heroes are memorialized.

“As travelers explore Jamaica, they are walking in the footsteps of greatness,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Each monument connects them to the courage, creativity, and vision that shaped our nation. These experiences allow visitors to feel the heartbeat of Jamaica’s history through the communities that keep it alive today.”

Where to Experience Jamaica’s Heroes:

• Marcus Mosiah Garvey – St. Ann
  At 32 Market Street in St. Ann’s Bay, Garvey’s childhood home and a bronze statue outside the parish library honor Jamaica’s first National Hero and his global Pan-African legacy.

• Paul Bogle – St. Thomas
  Visit Stony Gut, where Bogle’s chapel site is now a quiet memorial garden, and Morant Bay’s town square, where Edna Manley’s statue marks the 1865 rebellion that reshaped Jamaica’s history.

• George William Gordon – Kingston & St. Andrew
  Gordon House, Jamaica’s Parliament, bears his name in tribute to his fight for justice. In Morant Bay, a plaque commemorates his martyrdom alongside Paul Bogle.

• Norman Washington Manley – Kingston & St. Andrew
  Norman Manley International Airport and his preserved home, “Regardless” / The Manley Centre, celebrate the statesman’s leadership and vision for independence.

• Sir Alexander Bustamante – Hanover & Kingston
  In Lucea, Sir Alexander Bustamante Square honors Jamaica’s first Prime Minister. His Kingston home, now the Bustamante Museum, showcases his life and legacy.

• Nanny of the Maroons – Portland
  In Moore Town, a plaque at Bump Grave and a statue at Nanny Falls honor the legendary Maroon leader. Nearby the Charles Town Maroon Village keeps her traditions alive.

• Samuel “Sam” Sharpe – St. James
  At Croydon Plantation, monuments mark Sharpe’s birthplace, while Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay memorializes his leadership in the 1831–32 Emancipation Rebellion.

Discover tours and community experiences that take you to these historic sites at www.moretojamaica.com. Plus, enhance your vacation with experiences that preserve culture, celebrate heritage, honor heroes’ legacies, and give back directly to local communities.

For more information about Jamaica, please visit www.visitjamaica.com.  

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ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD  

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.

Contact:  

Lou Hammond Group  

jamaica@louhammond.com