National Heroes Day in 2024

When is Saint Kitts and Nevis National Heroes Day?

National Heroes Day is a public holiday in Saint. Kitts and Nevis and is observed on 16th September.

Independence Day takes place a few days after National Heroes' Day and depending on which days of the week these holidays fall on, either holiday may be extended.

This holiday commemorates citizens of the Federation who have given distinguished service to the country.

History of Saint Kitts and Nevis National Heroes Day

National Heroes Day honours individuals who have the greatest contribution to the country’s advancement.

There are currently five national heroes: Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, Paul Southwell, Joseph Nathaniel France, Simeon Daniel and Kennedy Simmonds.

The Saint Kitts and Nevis Federal Parliament passed the National Honours Act in 1998, establishing three classes of awards: The Order of National Hero, the Star of Merit and the Medal of Honour. The act also proclaimed 16th September as National Heroes Day.

The first National Heroes day took place on 16 September 1998. It honoured Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, who was the first Premier of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The holiday is observed on his birthday. A bust of Bradshaw, donated by the Republic of Cuba, was unveiled in the arrival lounge of the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.

In 2004, the National Assembly affirmed former Premier and Chief Minister Sir Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell, and former Social Services Minister and trade unionist Sir Joseph N. France as National Heroes.

The first Premier of Nevis, Simeon Daniel, joined the list of National Heroes in 2013.

In 2015, the first living person to receive this honour was Sir Dr. Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds, the first Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis.