Grenada to build shrine at Fort George, acknowledging national heroes and their legacy

The Government of Grenada is all set to build a shrine which will be placed at Fort George (formerly Fort Rupert) with a vision to acknowledge all those national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom through revolutionary acts.

The announcement of building a shrine was made by the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell on the occasion of National Heroes Day on Saturday, 19^th October, 2024 in Progress Park. He stated that this shrine will be placed at Fort George where former PM Maurice Bishop and several members of his cabinet were assassinated on 19 October 1983.

The Prime Minister stated that this shrine will commemorate the tragic loss of their former prime minister, members of the cabinet and other citizens of Grenada who were erected on that site.

He added that with the construction of this shrine, they want to celebrate their long-lasting legacy and ensure that every child, grandchildren and great-grandchildren appreciate the sacrifices made by their forebears.

Moreover, currently some restoration work is ongoing on the fort as a part of this tourism project. And, following its competition, the administration will focus on building shrine, celebrating the mark of their martyrs who lost their lives on that tragic day.

“We are fully aware that for the last 40 years, you can go to what was then Fort Rupert and see almost no sign, no acknowledgment of the tragedy that happened, but as we reclaim our history, as we reclaim and come to term with our pass, we will do what is right,” noted PM Dickon Mitchell.

He added that this shrine would be built in the everlasting memory of former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and other members including

• Fitzroy Bain
• Norris Bain
• Evelyn Bullen
• Jacqueline Creft
• Keith Hayling
• Evelyn Maitland
• Unison Whiteman
• Andy Sebastian Alexander
• Simon Alexander
• Gemma Belmar
• Eric Dumont
• Avis Ferguson
• Vince Noel
• Alleyne Romain
• Nelson Steel

“They have gone to join the stars and will forever shine in glory,” noted PM Dickon Mitchell.

The Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell further continued to highlight about the tragic day i.e. 19^th October, 1983. He called the memories of that day as the most “difficult and painful” and asked all the citizens to ensure that they never had to go through or relieve that painful history ever again which they did 41 years ago.

He added that it is significant for them to forge a better and more united Grenada in order to build the civilization that they are all incredibly proud of. He stated that he stands in sympathy and empathy with all those who lost loved ones. And, they will continue to honour their heroic forebears in order to push forward and build a more resilient and united Grenada for future generations.