Culture Minister Dale Butler has told angry St. David's Islanders they need to read up on their history instead of complaining about the proposed name change of their local school.

Mr. Butler said Hilton C. Richardson's dedication and performance as principal at St. David's Primary School meant he was a hero who deserved to have the school renamed in his honour.

He was speaking at a press conference about Bermuda's first National Heroes' Day, which will celebrate Dame Lois Browne Evans over the weekend.

On Monday, Education Minister Randolph Horton said he would listen to protesters about their opposition to the name-change plan.

Asked what he thought about St. David's residents' complaints yesterday, Mr. Butler told the media: "I'm very disappointed with that, to hear people say that — a guy who brought in lunches to feed the children, who gave them text books and clothing.

"We can't name a school after him? I was appalled by the level of discussion (on talk shows).

"I am sure that after the discussion they have with the Ministry of Education, after they read widely, they will see the importance of having role models like Dame Lois Browne Evans."

He said St. David's people considered themselves different to the rest of Bermuda and added: "But you are a part of Bermuda. In that regard, we ask you to consider the Ministry of Education's request to highlight someone who in the community went above and beyond.

"The least our generation can do is say thank you and we are going to rename a building after you."

Mr. Richardson was appointed headmaster at the school in 1910 and stayed there until 1957, overseeing the move from a wooden building to a stone structure.

Complainants say they want to keep the St. David's name as a matter of pride and would prefer the assembly hall or music room to be named after Mr. Richardson.

National Heroes' Day will be observed annually on the second Monday in October.

To commemorate Dame Lois, a public celebration will take place at the National Stadium from at 3.30 p.m. on Sunday, featuring poetry by Prospect Primary School, Gombey exhibitions and musical selections from Wendell "Shine" Hayward, Toni Robinson and the Bermuda Regiment.

Dame Lois' family will be presented with a special medal from Premier Ewart Brown.

"We are inviting all of Bermuda to come out and celebrate this special event," said Mr. Butler.

Meanwhile KJAZ 98.1 FM, CITV, Channel 2 and Channel 102 will air special Dame Lois broadcasts on Monday.

"We believe that it is essential that our citizens have strong ties to our local heroes and that our young people grow up in Bermuda with knowledge, appreciation and pride of all of those who have paved the way for them," explained the Minister.

"Dame Lois, our first National Hero, was selected because she was a paragon of civic duty and a leading advocate of change. She embodied hope; she was a valiant warrior and she always fought the good fight. Bermuda is better off as a result of her efforts.

"Dame Lois believed there was a need to instil national pride in our people. The Government shares that belief and we are extremely proud that we can do this for her because she did so much for all of Bermuda.

"In honouring Dame Lois Browne Evans as Bermuda's first National Hero we pay tribute to a woman who was one of Bermuda's most dynamic and captivating public figures and while her accomplishments are significant, they do not overshadow one of her most enduring character traits — her selflessness towards others."