THE GOVERNMENT of Grenada has announced October 19 will be declared a public holiday to commemorate former prime minister Maurice Bishop.

The public holiday will also acknowledge the execution of the former leader of Grenada and several members of his cabinet in 1983. 

Speaking at a ceremony yesterday, where the killings took place, Culture Minister Ron Redhead said the new administration of Grenada wants to move the country forward but the past needs to 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 was attended by government officials. 

“Next year, Grenada will remember and recognise all the days of the tragic ending. From the 19 to the 25 with a week of activities,” he said. 

He also said that October 19 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,” he added. 

Bishop was the leader of the new Jewel Movement which sought to priorities education, black liberation and socio-economic development on the Caribbean island.

During the 1979 revolution, Bishop’s party removed Eric Gairy from office. 

Bishop then headed the People’s Revolutionary Government of Grenada from 1979 to 1983, when he was dismissed from his post and executed along with several members of his cabinet by firing-squad during a coup. 

Several civilians also died at Fort Rupert, which has now been remanded Fort George.

Search for remains of former PM

Mr Redhead also announced Grenada will be making an official request to the United Kingdom and the United States to provide information the location of their remains of former prime minister Maurice Bishop and others. 

The location of Bishop’s remains is still unknown, despite searches by forensic anthropologists.

“No government, people, or system is so evil that it cannot give a respectable burial…to our fallen Grenadian men and women leaders,” he said

Mr Redhead also announced that Grenada will erect a monument for peace next year and encouraged the teaching Grenadian history including the Grenadian Revolution. 

“A country unaware of the past is undoubtedly doomed to repeat it,” he said. 

Mr Redhead is part of the Dickon Mitchell administration, which came into office during the summer following this year’s general election.