Grenada breaks ground on National Heroes and Heritage Park in Grand Anse

Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has hailed the unveiling of a monument and sod-turning for the construction of the National Heroes and Heritage Park as the beginning of a defining journey toward preserving and celebrating the nation’s identity.

“This park will stand as a lasting symbol of our national identity, paying tribute to those who came before us — and those who sacrificed so much to shape the Grenada we know today,” Mitchell said during the official ceremony. “It will be a place of reflection, relaxation, and education for Grenadians and visitors alike… a signpost of remembrance, offering strength and courage to inspire future generations.”

The ceremony, initially scheduled for October 19 but postponed to October 20 due to inclement weather, was held adjacent to Camerhogne Park in Grand Anse, where the new park will be built. The development will also include a commercial plaza, according to government officials.

Prime Minister Mitchell described the event as especially meaningful, noting that October 19 marks one of the most tragic days in Grenada’s modern history — the 1983 events that led to the death of then-Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and others.

“Forty-two years ago, on this very day, Grenada experienced one of the most tragic and defining events in its history,” Mitchell reflected. “It was a day when the promise of genuine independence was shattered… But today, as we honour those who came before us, we also look forward — with hope, with purpose, and with unity.”

He urged citizens to view the new park as both a tribute to the past and a commitment to the future, emphasizing the nation’s resilience and enduring spirit. “Our Grenadian spirit knows all too well how to use courage to stifle doubt, faith to counter fear, and wisdom to inspire hope,” he said.

“As our democracy matures, we will continue to learn lessons from the past as we confront the realities of the present,” Mitchell added, calling for continued cooperation, dialogue, reconciliation, and peace in nation-building.