by Linda Straker
- Commemorative bust of citizens killed at Fort Rupert in 1983 to be installed
- Art installation location not yet disclosed
- National Heroes Day was first observed on 19 October 2023
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has disclosed that Government will be working along with a Cuban Foundation for a sculpted bust of former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and other people who were killed on 19 October, to be installed as part of activities to commemorate 19 October 2024 as National Heroes Day.
National Heroes Day was first observed on 19 October 2023. On that day in 1983 then Prime Minister Bishop, several of his cabinet colleagues and other citizens were killed by soldiers at Fort Rupert, because of internal conflict in the high commands of the People’s Revolutionary Government. The killings resulted in the collapse of that government. Bishop’s body has never been officially identified and as result there is no known final resting place of the revolutionary leader.
At a news conference on Sunday, 14 April 2024 at the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) following a 3-day official visit to Cuba, Prime Minister Mitchell announced that, “We had the opportunity to meet with the son of the sculptor that operates a foundation and a company that have significant experience and expertise in the creation of busts. We engaged in discussions surrounding or commissioning a bust to represent Maurice Bishop and the 18 colleagues who were killed on the 19th of October 1983, to be done by the sculptor and his Foundation.” The Prime Minister did not disclose the location for the art installation.
“We anticipate before October 19th 2024 that we will have a bust of Maurice Bishop together with the 18 colleagues who fell and most importantly we will signal the commencement of a relationship with that foundation to teach Grenadian students in particular the art of bust making, the art of sculpture and all that goes with it,” he said.
Yer tell them that some citizens of Grenada killed and murdered their own so tell the youngsters the real truth
A most brilliant idea, for although there are many who may not appreciate such ,it is high time our grenadian children learn something about our/ their past. history