Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Is the County still behind slave trader Sir Thomas Picton?

Published

on

HAVERFORDWEST-born Sir Thomas Picton is now the centre of a debate over re-assessing monuments to slavery. In the wake of the international Black Lives Matter protests, and following the toppling of the statue of slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol, now the appropriateness of other historical monuments is being called into question.

The school named after him has already closed for unrelated reasons – but a blue plaque still remains on the Hill Street house where he was born.

The Pembrokeshire Herald has now launched an online questionnaire for the people of Pembrokeshire to vote on their view on the matter. The results will be forwarded to the local authority.

Cardiff’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Dan De’Ath has written a letter calling for a statue of the “sadistic” Picton to be removed from the Marble Hall in Cardiff City Hall.

A petition for a 25m high obelisk, known as the Picton Monument, in Carmarthen to be renamed has also received 1,000 signatures.

It comes as a statue to slave trader Edward Colston was pulled down during racial equality protests in Bristol over the weekend.

19-year-old Gweni Marni started a petition to “end the commemoration” of Picton via the monument in Carmarthen.

Gweni is from the town and wants the obelisk to be renamed and used to remember “someone good.”

She said: “A lot of people have no idea that Sir Thomas Picton did these things. What he did wasn’t even ‘of the times’, he was a controversial figure in his time and he went to trial for what he did. I just think there’s no place for it at all. It’s just a symbol of our ignorance.”
“We need to recognise our history and not celebrate figures like this.”

Sir Thomas Picton is remembered for his role in the Peninsular War and for being the highest ranking officer killed at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

But he also earned the moniker of “Tyrant of Trinidad” after serving as a governor there. He was known for his brutal regime on the island.

In 1806 he was convicted of ordering the illegal torture of a 14-year-old girl, Louisa Calderon.

He admitted to the charge but the conviction was later overturned.

Picton is also accused of having amassed a substantial fortune after profiting from the then legal slave trade.

In his letter to Cardiff Council, Cllr De’Ath wrote he felt it was “an appropriate time to reassess how fitting it is for Cardiff to honour a man such as Picton with a statue on public display.”

He wrote: “I feel is it no longer acceptable for Picton’s statue to be amongst the “Heroes of Wales” in City Hall and I am calling on you to arrange for its removal from the Marble Hall at a time when resources and logistics allow and when it is safe to do so.”
Responding to questions from journalists this week, the First Minister said “where we have statues to people in Wales whose histories belong in that past, rather than being on display as a form of continued celebration, then action should be taken. ”

Mark Drakeford also said he “wouldn’t want to see the way in which the statue was treated in Bristol repeated here.”

He added: “While I share the revulsion shared by people at events in the United States and agree we have to learn those lessons here in Wales I still want to ask people in Wales to express their protests in ways that does not add to the public health risk.”

Carmarthenshire County Council have confirmed they maintain the monument but are making enquiries into who owns it.

Cllr Emlyn Dole, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council said: “It’s important that we have a conversation around this issue. That conversation has already started with the illumination of County Hall over the weekend in solidarity with all those who fight oppression.

We are keen to have a more detailed conversation and are making plans to bring this to the Council chamber as soon as possible where we, as members, can bring our feelings to the debate in a public arena so that we can come to a collective decision and take any appropriate action thereafter.”

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

on

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Continue Reading

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

on

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

Continue Reading

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle launches litter-free zone initiative

Published

on

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling on the community to join the launch of its new Litter-Free Zone.

In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy Pembrokeshire, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, greener town centre while promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.

The event marks a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment and highlights the far-reaching benefits of a cleaner town centre.

The organisation says that a cleaner, more attractive town centre is key to drawing visitors and potential investors.

This initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, benefiting local businesses and encouraging growth in Milford Haven.

The project not only enhances the town’s appearance but also instils a sense of pride among residents. By improving cleanliness, the initiative aims to encourage more community participation in local events and activities.

Reducing litter has significant environmental benefits, including:

  • Protecting Wildlife: Preventing harm to animals caused by ingestion or entanglement.
  • Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing pollution in streets and waterways, fostering healthier ecosystems.
  • Sustainable Practices: Encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal to cut down on the town’s environmental footprint.
  • Creating Green Spaces: Supporting the development of habitats, recreational areas, and improved air quality for residents.

The Milford Haven Business Circle believes this initiative will set a strong example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

By joining this movement, participants can contribute to making Milford Haven a shining example of environmental care and community cooperation. Let’s work together to transform our town into a cleaner, greener space for all to enjoy.

Stay tuned for event details and updates. Together, we can make a difference!

Continue Reading

Business15 hours ago

Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment

HAVERFORDWEST will celebrate the opening of Wales’ largest Specsavers store on Monday 16 December 2024, following a transformative £1.2 million...

News20 hours ago

Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash

THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid...

News22 hours ago

Teachers were ‘absolutely horrible’ to a girl who died after cyber-bullying

A 14-YEAR-OLD girl who died following a harrowing cyberbullying campaign was “let down at every possible opportunity” by her school,...

Health2 days ago

NHS staff at risk during pandemic due to PPE issues, Covid Inquiry hears

NHS staff in Wales may have put their health at risk during the Covid-19 pandemic by treating patients without adequate...

News3 days ago

Snow falls in Wales: School closures, road blockages, and weather warnings

THE FIRST significant snowfall of the year has fallen across Wales, with snow covering parts of north-east Wales overnight. The...

News4 days ago

Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death

MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described...

Business4 days ago

Milford Haven Port Authority in Burry Port Harbour takeover talks

MILFORD Haven Port Authority is in the frame to take over the running of Carmarthenshire’s only harbour. The Trust Port...

Farming6 days ago

Farmers fight back: Inheritance tax row at Welsh Labour conference

THE Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno, Conwy, on Saturday (Nov 16) became the backdrop for a large and impassioned protest...

News6 days ago

Four shouts in busy period for Angle RNLI

AT 10:32am on Friday, November 15, Angle RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was launched following a Pan Pan call from an 18ft...

Health6 days ago

Eluned Morgan on NHS: ‘I’ve listened, I’ve heard, I’m making it happen’

FIRST Minister Eluned Morgan is set to announce an additional £22 million to tackle NHS waiting lists, bringing the total...

Popular This Week