A former Grenada Minister of Culture has joined a chorus of Grenadians — many of them well-known and ardent supporters of the current government — in expressing public disagreement at a decision to launch the country’s 50th anniversary of independence on 19 October, one of the most tragic and infamous days in modern Grenadian history.
“I don’t know how long this was deliberated and how much thought went into the decision. But, October 19 should be wholly, and should always be a day, to honour those Grenadians whom we lost in 1983,” said lawyer Arley Gill, who was appointed a senator in 2008 by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration of then Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, and served as Culture Minister.
In 1983, disagreement between the People’s Revolutionary Government (PRG) and the New Jewel Movement culminated in the house arrest of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. Bishop and other cabinet ministers, as well as several civilians, were killed by soldiers on 19 October, after he was freed from house arrest by supporters and taken to Fort George — then called Fort Rupert.
The PRG came to power in 1979 following the overthrow of the government of Prime Minister Eric Gairy, who led Grenada into independence from Britain on 7 February 1974.
Lawyer Dickon Mitchell, the current NDC leader and prime minister, said for the first time since the events of 1983, [that] 19 October will be observed as a public holiday throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. It will also be the day of the formal launch of activities leading up to next year’s 50th Grenada independence anniversary.
The 19 October independence commemorative launch date “is no accident,” said Prime Minister Mitchell. “The 19th of October is a significant — if not tragic — date in Grenada’s history, particularly over the last 40 years. The cabinet will take the decision and give instructions that the necessary legal work is done to declare 19 October a national holiday; and, the intent is to make that a permanent holiday,” Mitchell told reporters at a news conference.
“I am using the word commemorate because I think too often people assume a public holiday means a festive or celebratory event,” he explained. “Our perspective of marking October 19 as a public holiday is, in fact, for us to recognise the sombre nature, the tragic nature, of what happened, and for us to reflect upon it and understand why it happened.”
According to the prime minister, it’s important to mark 19 October “in a sombre manner, in a reflective manner and, perhaps, even in an emotional manner.”
Despite Prime Minister Mitchell’s explanation, many like Gill maintain it’s a bad idea to have a commemorative independence anniversary launch on 19 October.
“I cannot understand the logic, neither the historical or philosophical link, between the two. Indeed, our 50th independence celebrations should be in a different mood; a different mindset is required for 19 October which the prime minister himself has called for,” Gill noted. “The October 19 holiday is long overdue and the government ought to be applauded for that. However, 19 October should not be diluted by combining it with any other activity. If we are to be sombre and reflective on 19 October, it should be completely in tribute and in honour to all those who lost their lives on that fateful day in 1983.”
Gill argued that activities for the 50th independence anniversary “should have been launched some time ago, and could be launched on any day. Why 19 October?”
Arley Gill was appointed a senator in 2008 by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration of then Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and served as Culture Minister.
Salimbi?? WTF??
Are we out of our minds? Who publicizes their 50th Anniversary celebration plans at the funeral of their parents?
Dam if you Do, and Dam if you Don’t
October 1983 came about as a result of March 1979, therefore both dates are of equal and utmost importance to Grenada history. Remembrance of both dates, including Feburary, should be commemorated in such a way as to add their historical significance.
One thing I have learnt is that whatever you do as a government you will get some people in favour and some against.
In a democracy it is the norm,so we go with the flow and enjoy what’s on offer which is a public holiday.
Look at all recognitions that was unfold for one of our track and field hero and on his first attempt to defend it,he failed but that did not stop us celebrating.
Perhaps October 19 should be seen as a day of remembrance. Not a “holiday”, but rather a day of reflection. A day to think about the struggles and sacrifices that brought Grenada to where she is today. Separate but equally as important as “Independence Day “
I don’t know why Grenadians always seemed to make an issue over the decision of an organization the authority to do so. Respect is showing regards for another person choices, decision or lifestyle. An opinion is not a fact and everyone has that right. The deliberate attempt to make your opinion a fact is absurd. It’s a launch not a replacement. Why make all this fuss?