Primary Social Studies for Antigua and Barbuda Primary Social Studies for Antigua and Barbuda STUDENT’S BOOK GRADE 6 Anthea S Thomas Primary Social Studies for Antigua and Barbuda

The national heroes of Antigua and Barbuda are:

Prince Klaas, also known as King Court or Tackey, was a former slave. In 1736, he organised a rebellion in the hopes of freeing all the slaves on the island. However, he was not successful as another slave gave him away and he, along with the other ringleaders, was executed.

Born on 7 December 1880, Dame Nellie was a teacher and founder of her own school, the Thomas Oliver Robinson Memorial High School. She broke down colour, class and gender barriers, believing that all children should have access to education. Dame Nellie is the country’s only female hero.

Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Snr is known as the father and founder of the nation. He was the first Premier and the first Prime Minister. He was also one of the founding members of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union.

Sir George Walter was the second Premier of Antigua and Barbuda, from 1972 to 1976. He was head of the Progressive Labour Movement (PLM). He served the trade union and political movements for over 40 years. His contributions to the nation and in the House of Representatives have been described as being in a class of their own. One of Antigua’s major highways bears his name.

Sir Lester served the country for over 40 years, including 18 years as Deputy Prime Minister and 10 years as Prime Minister. He was also an outstanding cricketer, footballer and athlete. Along with Sir Viv Richards, he is one of the country’s two living national heroes.

Sir Vivian was a West Indian cricketer considered one of the greatest batsmen of all times. He retired from Test cricket as the third most successful captain of the West Indies Team. His contribution to cricket brought great recognition to the island of Antigua and Barbuda. The country’s stadium bears his name.

National heroes in other Caribbean countries include:

• St. Kitts and Nevis: Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw

• Saint Lucia: Sir George Walter

• St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Joseph Chatoyer

• Barbados: Sarah-Ann Gill, Sir Frank Leslie Walcott

• Dominica: Cecil Rawle

• Trinidad and Tobago: Bertram Lloyd Marshall, Dr Stephen Bennett

• Jamaica: Norman Manley, Marcus Garvey