Second recognition plaque unveiled at Tri-Centennial Park

Their names and contribution to the development of Grenada and in particular the parish of St. George may be unknown to many, but as of last week Tuesday their names became enshrined through a plaque at the Tri-Centennial Park.

Persons visiting the Tri-Centennial Park, which is located close to Fort George, will now have the opportunity to view the names of additional persons who contributed to the development of the Town of St. George. A brief ceremony on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, witnessed the unveiling of a plaque containing the names of distinguished persons from St. George’s, whose contribution to the development of the town was exemplary.

Archdeacon Christian Glasgow (left) and Minister
Hon. Alexandra Otway-Noel unveiling the plaque.

During the ceremony which was attended by Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, Hon. Alexandra Otway-Noel, along with representatives of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, and the Archdeacon of the Anglican community in Grenada, the Venerable Christian Glasgow, it was explained that the event was part of activities in observance of St. George’s Week, which began on April 21.

The St. George’s Anglican Church traditionally takes the lead in the observance of St. George Day with a week of activities which include a Patronal Festival Service and Procession, a presentation of ‘Our Heritage is Rich’ by the Mother’s Union and a ‘Youth in Concert’ programme sponsored by the youth organisation in the St. George’s Anglican Church, Youth Vibez and the very popular storytelling. A panel discussion reflecting on the Revolution and a health fair were among other activities also planned for the week’s commemoration. This year, the Tri-Centennial Committee and the Ministry of Tourism partnered with the church to co-ordinate the activities.

The unveiling ceremony on April 23 was preceded by a Midday Mass at the St. George’s Chapel, followed by a procession to the Tri-Centennial Park. Present to witness the event were relatives of some of the persons being honoured. They included family members of Mr. Fisher J. Archibald and Dr. John Radix. Members of the National Trust worked closely with Mr. Michael Jessamy of the Ministry of Tourism to develop the project and officials from the Ministry and Board of Tourism.

Among the distinguished deceased individuals that were included on the plaque were former tourism specialist Mrs. Gertrude Protain and Mr. Curtis Hopkin – the father of Sir Royston O. Hopkin KCMG. Others similarly honoured were Eileen Gomas, George Ogilvie, Vernie Olivere, E. Gittens Knight, Louise Rowley, Phyllis Osbourne, Marjorie Baptiste, Gerald Sandiford, Septimus La Crette, Leonard Smith, Derick Clouden, Rupert Decouteau, Kenrick Bernard, Edward Mitchell and Hubert Coard.
Other plaques with additional names are expected to be displayed on the Park’s Memorial Wall annually.