As many of you know, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer has made a choice to rename Boggy Peak after USA President-elect Barack Obama. While this is a wonderful gesture towards the feat that Senator Obama accomplished when no one else could, there are several reasons why myself and I am sure many others feel that this decision was rash.
1) Senator Obama is Kenyan-American. If he was Antiguan-American, then the dedication would have been appropriate. If anyone should rename a national natural landmark after him, it should be his father's hometown in Kenya, or the USA, since the breakthrough was even better for black Americans than it was for black West Indians. Furthermore, Antigua has many pioneers and national heroes left to be honored. Why are they forgotten What will the youth learn about their forefathers if there is nothing to remind us of them, but there is an entire mountain re-named to honor a leader of another country
2)It was too premature. The election has just passed, and he has yet to be sworn in. Also he should have at least served a year or two in office before being gifted with a mountain. In other words, Senator Obama must prove to his people and the rest of the world that he is a great president, and therefore worthy of receiving such prestigious rewards.
3)Boggy peak is a national landmark. To simply up and re-name is after Sen. Obama is changing our history. When dealing with history, one should add to it, not take away. If anything, a better gift would be a street, or a highway, or a beach, since we have 365 beaches, and only about 50 at the most have been named. That leaves 315 beach at least without names. PM Spencer, why not take the time to observe our lovely beaches and choose one that you think will be great to represent your esteemed colleague and fellow future world leader
These are not our reasons alone for being against it. Many of our fellow peers feel just as strongly, if not more so. If you are in agreement with us, please sign our petition.
Renee Jarvis and Athina Monroe
I honestly never thought this many people would care about our mountain but seeing the momentum grow is wild and kind of overwhelming to be honest. It just goes to show how much our history and our names for things actually matter to everyone around here even when the people in charge move way too fast.
6 Comments
S
Sarah Stewart
17 years ago
Featured
Keep the name. My grandparents called it that and so will I. Stop trying to erase who we are for a photo op.
J
James Tran
17 years ago
Featured
SO TRUE. Lets honor our own people for once instead of chasing trends. Boggy Peak stays.
M
Marcus Graham
17 years ago
Featured
Boggy Peak has been Boggy Peak forever. Why change our history because of some election in the states? Leave our landmarks alone.
D
David Navarro
17 years ago
Featured
The man isnt even in office yet and they are already handing out mountains?! This is ridiculous.
T
Tanya Aguilar
17 years ago
Featured
Leave it be. Its not even about the guy its about respect for our own island. Changing the name feels wrong.
E
Elena Olsen
17 years ago
Featured
Totally agree. We have so many local heroes who deserve recognition before a foreign politician. This feels really forced.
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As many of you know, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer has made a choice to rename Boggy Peak after USA President-elect Barack Obama. While this is a wonderful gesture towards the feat that Senator Obama accomplished when no one else could, there are several reasons why myself and I am sure many others feel that this decision was rash.
1) Senator Obama is Kenyan-American. If he was Antiguan-American, then the dedication would have been appropriate. If anyone should rename a national natural landmark after him, it should be his father's hometown in Kenya, or the USA, since the breakthrough was even better for black Americans than it was for black West Indians. Furthermore, Antigua has many pioneers and national heroes left to be honored. Why are they forgotten What will the youth learn about their forefathers if there is nothing to remind us of them, but there is an entire mountain re-named to honor a leader of another country
2)It was too premature. The election has just passed, and he has yet to be sworn in. Also he should have at least served a year or two in office before being gifted with a mountain. In other words, Senator Obama must prove to his people and the rest of the world that he is a great president, and therefore worthy of receiving such prestigious rewards.
3)Boggy peak is a national landmark. To simply up and re-name is after Sen. Obama is changing our history. When dealing with history, one should add to it, not take away. If anything, a better gift would be a street, or a highway, or a beach, since we have 365 beaches, and only about 50 at the most have been named. That leaves 315 beach at least without names. PM Spencer, why not take the time to observe our lovely beaches and choose one that you think will be great to represent your esteemed colleague and fellow future world leader
These are not our reasons alone for being against it. Many of our fellow peers feel just as strongly, if not more so. If you are in agreement with us, please sign our petition.
Renee Jarvis and Athina Monroe
I honestly never thought this many people would care about our mountain but seeing the momentum grow is wild and kind of overwhelming to be honest. It just goes to show how much our history and our names for things actually matter to everyone around here even when the people in charge move way too fast.
6 Comments
S
Sarah Stewart
17 years ago
Featured
Keep the name. My grandparents called it that and so will I. Stop trying to erase who we are for a photo op.
J
James Tran
17 years ago
Featured
SO TRUE. Lets honor our own people for once instead of chasing trends. Boggy Peak stays.
M
Marcus Graham
17 years ago
Featured
Boggy Peak has been Boggy Peak forever. Why change our history because of some election in the states? Leave our landmarks alone.
D
David Navarro
17 years ago
Featured
The man isnt even in office yet and they are already handing out mountains?! This is ridiculous.
T
Tanya Aguilar
17 years ago
Featured
Leave it be. Its not even about the guy its about respect for our own island. Changing the name feels wrong.
E
Elena Olsen
17 years ago
Featured
Totally agree. We have so many local heroes who deserve recognition before a foreign politician. This feels really forced.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach
100 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
or sign with Email
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
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Keep the name. My grandparents called it that and so will I. Stop trying to erase who we are for a photo op.