by Linda Straker
- Proclamation published 13 October Government Gazette
- 19 October 2023 is inaugural National Heroes Day
- Day’s events include tolling of church bells, laying of wreaths and candlelight service
The proclamation from Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade declaring 19 October a bank holiday named as the inaugural National Heroes Day has been published in the Government Gazette dated 13 October.
According to the proclamation, the day is “in remembrance of and reflection on the events of October 19, 1983, recognising our strides in recovery and growth and to promote further healing, reconciliation, unity and advancement as one people, the Government of Grenada urges its citizens to commemorate this day by participating in activities organised to commemorate this inaugural National Heroes Day.”
On 19 September, Dr Wendy Crawford, chairperson of the National Organising Committee (NOC) for the 50th Independence Celebrations announced that 19 October would mark the start of the 50th Independence celebrations. The date was later changed to 31 October.
19 October 1983 marked a day of indelible significance in the history of Grenada when Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and other Ministers of Cabinet, together with members of the public including school children were killed at Fort George (then Fort Rupert) bringing a bloody end to internal conflict that arose within the People’s Revolutionary Government (PRG).
Over the years, this day was not officially recognised by the State but by people who have been directly affected, with continuous calls for the day to be declared a national holiday because of the historic events on that day.
Traditionally, the Maurice Bishop Martyrs Foundation headed by Terence Marryshow have laid wreaths and held an ecumenical service at the site of the killing on the fort. However, this year’s activities will include the tolling of church bells, the laying of wreaths and a candlelight service organised by the NOC and the National Celebrations Committee.
In a recent news conference, Orlando Romain, a member of the NOC said that consultations with the public to identify national heroes and a place to be called National Heroes Park will also commence on 19 October.
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