ST GEORGE'S, GRENADA: The decision by the ruling New National Party to hold its annual convention on October 19th has been described as insensitive by at least two politicians here.

It was on this date 20 years ago this year that former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and other leading Grenadian politicians were murdered at the end of a bitter political feud.

Since the ruling NNP announced the date last month the issue has been raised on some local radio talk shows and on Grenadian internet talk forum.

Now Dr Terrence Marryshow, a Cuban-trained doctor who once headed the now dormant Maurice Bishop Patriotic Movement and Tillman Thomas, leader of the National Democratic Congress said the decision to host the political event on such a date was ill-advised.

NNP officials have refused to pitch in to the debate, and have refused comment on the issue.

Marryshow the day is too important for Grenadians for the NNP to host a major political event, which will take some people's attention away from the reflection that is needed on the anniversary.

There is a possibility, some observers here say, that the ruling party might use the convention day to announce a date for general elections.

"It clearly demonstrates a lack of sensitivity, a lack of caring on the part of the New National Party administration, lack of sensitivity to the victims of October the 19th and to their families in fact, when a day like that is a day that many people have been calling for as a national holiday, a day of reflection, a day of remembrance," he said.

"It is a most tragic day in Grenada's history, and should not be a day for business as usual," Marryshow said.

Dr Marryshow said a lot of wounds are still open since the majority of bodies have not been recovered to be given a proper burial.

"This should be one day that we set aside to reflect on the tangible contribution to those who dies, and to remember Prime Minister Maurice Bishop for the outstanding leadership that he provided for the Grenadian people," Marryshow said.

"A man who was loved by the people, a man who loved the people that he and all of his colleagues gave their lives that they ought to be remembered. I think it is the proper thing to do," he added.

NDC leader Tillman Thomas was specifically asked for his comments on the issue during a recent press conference here.

He also said he thought the NNP was being a little insensitive.

"We see this as a day of reflection and a day of people looking at the history of Grenada and what we've been through. It is not really a day for partying and bringing in foreign artistes to come and gallivant in Grenada," he said.



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