Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has revealed plans to construct a shrine at Fort George in memory of deceased Revolutionary leader Maurice Bishop and others who lost their lives on October 19, 1983, amid internal conflicts within the Revolutionary Government.
Originally named Fort Rupert to honor Bishop’s father during the revolution, the site was renamed Fort George after the revolution’s collapse and the island’s return to democracy. The fort is currently undergoing restoration as part of a tourism initiative.
In his address during the National Heroes Day celebrations, attended by hundreds at Progress Park and many more via live broadcast, Prime Minister Mitchell emphasized the importance of honoring those who fell on that tragic day. “We can assure you that once the restoration is complete, your administration will ensure that a proper shrine is established to commemorate our martyrs,” he stated. He acknowledged that for the past 40 years, there has been little recognition of the tragedy that occurred at Fort Rupert.