Ramon A.S. Grosvenor

Ramon Alaea Sulemayn Grosvenor (1868-1944) was president of the Challenger Islands from 1932-1944.

Biography
Grosvenor was born at 1 Island View Gardens, Cook Town on 20th September 1868. Born to a poor family, as a teenager he worked as a fisherman alongside his father instead of attending school. As soon as he was old enough he signed up to the navy, to secure regular income and lodgings.

Grosvenor first made his name at the age of just 22 when, due to a communication failure that left him isolated, he single-handedly defended Cook Town Barracks from the oncoming invading Chilean Forces in the Challenger Island War of 1891. This turned the war in the Challenger Islands favour and Grosvenor became a national hero.

Grosvenor rose up through the navy to become commander in 1914, a post which he held until 1931. He was elected president in 1932, a position he held until his death.

As president and de facto commander of the islands once World War Two broke out, Grosvenor successfully repelled the invading Japanese forces in late April 1942, signalling the furthest point of their advancement in the Pacific War.

He died on 7th July 1944, aged 85 in his gubernatorial residence in Coconut Harbour.

Legacy
The airport of the Challenger Islands is named after him; the Ramon A.S. Grosvenor International Airport.

The village on the north coast of Sleepy Island is named Grosvenor Highway in honour of him and the road-building program he introduced as president.