Grenada has named former Prime Minister Sir Eric Matthew Gairy as the country's first National Hero. The former Prime Minister and several outstanding nationals were honoured as Grenadians celebrated 34 years of political independence from Britain. New legislation provides for 15 people to be recognised annually for outstanding services to Grenada as part of the independence celebrations. Among the first batch of awardees was deceased Grenadian-born regional broadcaster Leslie Seon. The editor of the weekly Grenadian Voice newspaper, Leslie Pierre, was made a Knight Commander for his contribution towards the development of the Scout Movement and Journalism in the island. In his address Prime Minister Keith Mitchell indicated that later in the year several streets and buildings will be named after some prominent Grenadians who have made significant contributions toward the island since gaining independence. Reprinted from radioja.com