The last national hero was chosen over 20 years ago. A new addition is long overdue, and what better time to debate the question than black history month? Many say former Prime Minister Michael Manley should be the next official hero, while others argue for reggae legend Bob Marley. Both made great contributions to their country and neither would be a bad choice. But there is someone with far greater claims than either - the person who almost single-handedly gave Jamaicans pride in their cultural heritage and is at the same time the most universally loved personality this nation has produced – Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett.

I have been a follower of West Indies cricket almost since I became conscious of my existence. Some of my earliest memories are of lying in my bed beside my father with 3:00 am commentary from Australia on the radio, my sleep deprived mother having chased him out of their bedroom. Among my first heroes were names like Hall, Gibbs, Sobers and Khanai.