Burke calls for October 1983 to be correctly documented

By Linda Straker

Acting Prime Minister Nazim Burke has urged Grenadians to ensure that the tragedy that occurred in Grenada 29 years ago that resulted in the death of slain Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and the US Invasion of the country is never repeated.

In a national address to mark October 25 as Thanksgiving Day, Burke, who was the Minister
of Finance during the five-day reign of the Government appointed following the October 19, 1983 massacre, said that the invasion brought an end to fear and a return of democracy where people lived and continue to live without fear.

“It’s part of our history, which must be correctly documented and explained,” he said in the
address, which was played on all radio and television stations.

Calling for those who died on October 19 and 25 to always be solemnly remembered, Burke said that Grenada’s history must not be an anchor that holds it back from economic and social development, but rather it should be a guide in moving the island forward.

On March 13, 1979, a group of young revolutionaries took over the administration of the island by overthrowing the ruling Sir Eric Matthew Gairy Government. Led by Maurice Bishop, the revolution came to an end in October 1983 as a result of internal conflict within the senior membership of the grouping. Bishop, who was the Prime Minister, along with other government ministers and civilians, died during civil unrest and their bodies are yet to be discovered for burial. The island was
restored to democratic governance following the invasion of the country on October 25, 1983.

In his address, Burke said that 29 years after this historic event, Grenadians have a lot to be thankful for as its course of history was changed forever.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s against this backdrop that we today give thanks, celebrate our freedom and renew our pledge to work harmoniously together to ensure that a political tragedy like that never happens again in our beautiful country,” he said.