Mr. Grant pointed out the need for government to involve the community in the selection process for persons who are to be selected for this award.

“The government should institute a much more transparent policy in the selection of these National Heroes and the policy must include significant community involvement…”Mr. Grant said

Mr. Grant further expressed his view that the first Prime Minister Dr. Sir Kennedy Simmonds should have been recognized and named as National Hero, a long time ago.”

The opposition leader also listed individuals, who in his opinion, their achievements warrant them nomination and or selection as national heroes. The list included former and first Premier of Nevis Dr. Simeon Daniel and Mr. Kim Collins.

After the National Heroes Act was passed in 1998 the federation has only seen National Heroes such as Robert L Bradshaw, Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell and Joseph N. France being named, who were all integral members of the Labor Party Movement cited Mr. Grant.

Mr. Grant explained by saying “If indeed Mr. Moore and Mr. Bryant are being considered, it only helps to galvanize my point that the naming and selection of heroes is deeply politicized as much as we appreciate Mr. Bryant’s contribution to our education system and Mr. Moore’s contribution to politics and the legal profession, there is no way that any right thinking citizen would ever think that either Moore or Bryant did more for this country than Sir Kennedy who led us into independence. The government need to seriously de-politicize this very important activity.”

National Heroes Day is celebrated every year on the 16th of September.