by Linda Straker
- Monument for peace will be constructed in recognition of tragedy of 1983
- In 2023, week of activities will occur from 19–25 October
- Special consideration will be given to ‘Maurice Bishop Day’
Culture Minister Ron Redhead has disclosed that as of 2023, 19 October will be declared a public holiday. This holiday will commemorate the 1983 killing of former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, several of his cabinet colleagues and civilians at Fort Rupert, also called Fort George.
Addressing a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony where the killings took place 39 years ago, Redhead said that the current administration believes that to move the country forward in a profound manner, the events of October 1983 must be addressed.
“We must address the healing of our nation. To this end, Government will use this opportunity to propose a series of actions geared towards promoting national healing from the demise of the Revolution,” he told the ceremony which government officials attended.
“Next year, Grenada will remember and recognise all the days of the tragic ending. From the 19th to the 25th with a week of activities,” he said, announcing that 19 October will be declared a holiday. “Special consideration will be given to developing our national heroes framework to designate a day entitled ‘Maurice Bishop Day’ among others.” Redhead’s father was well known in the militia of the Revolution.
The Dickon Mitchell administration will make an official request to the US and UK to provide factual information surrounding the bodies of Bishop and others who lost their lives on 19 October 1983.
“No government, people, or system is so evil that it cannot give a respectable burial (even in ceremony) to our fallen Grenadian men and women leaders,” he said and announced that a monument for peace will also be constructed.
“Grenada will erect a monument for peace next year in recognition of the tragedy of ‘83, in keeping with the guidelines for monuments. It will incorporate the names of all Grenadians who lost their lives on the 19th. This monument, we believe, can become a symbol of peace and healing,” said Redhead.
He also announced that teaching the stories about the Grenada Revolution will be encouraged through civic education. “A country unaware of the past is undoubtedly doomed to repeat it,” said Redhead.
As a result of the events on 19 October, the US invaded Grenada on 25 October, which led to the return of democracy on the island. Since then, 25 October has been declared a public holiday called Thanksgiving Day, while 19 October is traditionally commemorated by the 1983 Martyrs Foundation with a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony.
I think this is madness. Maurice Bishop was never elected as prime minister. He has been already awarded with the naming of two land marks. There are other elected prime minister and nothing in their honour. There was lots of people who suffered from 79-83 so what about them, so what about them?
As one of the many supporters that was climbing the hill to the forth on that tragic day to celebrate Bishop release . I think that this is something that should have taken place a time ago rather than having 25th as a day of Thanksgiving. This is Grenada history this happen as much as people don’t want to talk about it.
So there will be two Holidays, 19 and 25th of October?
I totally agree that a lot more can be done to recognize and educate the population. I have read few books on the events, however, it appears the authors lack facts or those who provided facts were economical with the facts.
In other words, no one telling truth. The sad part, folks knowledge of the events are either too old to remember or past away….truly sad for the history of Grenada.
There was a truth and reconciliation which did not address or provide facts and closure of the tragic events.
The soldiers of Era needs to recognize with respect and dignity.