Joseph Chatoyer, the paramount chief of the Black Caribs (Garifuna), was officially declared the first National Hero of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on 14 March 2002, in accordance with the National Heroes Act (2002). March 14 has been designated National Heroes Day in SVG and a public holiday.
A monument (Obelisk) stands on Dorsetshire Hill, where he was killed by the British in defending his honour, way of life and in opposition of colonialism. A play based on his life, The Drama of King Shotaway, was the first play written by an African American.
Photo credit: The Hub Collective Inc