The UK Government is already in the process of removing Admiral Rodney from its own landmarks, due to his links to slavery. So why are we keeping his name to ours?

Who is Admiral Rodney? Admiral Rodney is a British naval general and has been heralded as a hero in Saint Lucian history with several landmarks named in his honour. Fort Rodney, where the relics of the Fort built on Pigeon Island to fight off French invasion, still stand; Rodney Heights, a residential area, and most of all - Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia's tourism hot spot, and second most known area after the Pitons. 

Rodney Bay is home to several popular hotels, hotspot for night life, restaurants and bars. The Rodney Bay area is the top recommendation for entertainment and some of the best beaches in the country. 

In Saint Lucian history Admiral Rodney has been celebrated as a colonial hero, yet Saint Lucian people have not been taught the truths concerning this British Admiral.

Admiral George Rodney was a Pro-Slavery advocate who testified and petitioned AGAINST Abolition of slavery on several occasions. His testimony in the House of Lords can be found, where in which he states the concept of Abolition would be 'a folly that a delusions should take place.'Admiral Rodney vehemently OPPOSED the 1788 Slave Act, a bill created to improve the conditions of enslaved on ships during the Trans Atlantic crossing. 

Why bother changing the names of the Landmarks?

Saint Lucia has a long list of unknown local heroes that we can choose to rename this popular area. Think of how positively this can affect the psyche of young Saint Lucians who herald the names of their own heroes, as opposed to a man who kept slavery alive as long as possible. 

Taking this positive action will resonate with all ages in Saint Lucia, as we instil belief in our own people, and highlight that we are deserving of having the names of our own heroes - not British slavers - as part of our landmarks. 

Why now? Some may ask. Why NOT now? We have the power to make real changes in our country, starting with shifting the narrative of who we honour with our landmarks.