UNDP provides support to the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis for the digitalisation of their National Heroes Monument

October 2, 2020

Digitalised National Heroes Monument

Citizens and visitors to Saint Kitts now have the opportunity to enjoy the nation’s first ever digitised National Heroes Monument. The innovative monument was installed in the National Heroes Park and unveiled on National Heroes Day, as Kittitians and Nevisians honoured their national heroes.

Since this was one of the priorities of the Government, the recently inaugurated monument was made possible through the contribution of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. It commemorates the country’s independence as a sovereign state and represents the identity of Saint Kitts and Nevis through the recognition of their five national heroes. The monument includes a digital wing fully equipped to provide an interactive experience where visitors can learn about Saint Kitts and Nevis’ history through the life and work of their national heroes.

Mr. Osbert M. DeSuza, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister expounded on this stating, “UNDP’s investment vastly contributes to making a wealth of information accessible at the National Heroes Park. We are truly grateful that visitors ranging from students, residents, and tourists can now use the information on the Kiosks and Touchscreen Monitors to learn about the life and contributions of our five National Heroes to the development and advancement of our twin-island federation.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this interactive monument allows small groups to have an immersive experience while still providing guests with personalised tours without a guide. UNDP’s Resident Representative a.i. for Barbados & the Eastern Caribbean, Ugo Blanco, highlighted the need for innovative solutions to ensure that historically significant information is passed on to future generations. “We must ensure that a nation’s heritage, culture and historical facts are accessible”, he stated adding, “As the world evolves, the way we consume data also changes and innovation and digitisation are key to promote national initiatives and engage with citizens in new ways that are smarter and more agile.”

UNDP is committed, through partnerships with governments, to supporting sustainable development throughout the region.