the population . This discontent culminated in a revolution in 1979 led by the New Jewel Movement ( NJM ), a leftist organization advocating for social justice and equality .
The NJM , under the leadership of Maurice Bishop , gained popular support and established a revolutionary government . Bishop ’ s administration implemented socialist policies , including land reforms and education initiatives , while fostering alliances with countries like Cuba and the Soviet Union .
However , internal divisions within the NJM and external pressures from neighboring Caribbean nations strained the revolutionary government . In 1983 , a faction within the NJM led by Bernard Coard staged a coup , resulting in Bishop ’ s arrest and subsequent execution .
The events of October 1983 , known as the Grenada Revolution or Operation Urgent Fury , prompted the United States , with support from Caribbean nations , to intervene militarily to restore order and prevent the establishment of a potentially communist regime .
Following the intervention , a period of political instability ensued , marked by interim governments and power struggles . In 1984 , elections were held , leading to the victory of the New National Party ( NNP ) under the leadership of Herbert Blaize .
Under Blaize ’ s government , Grenada focused on economic recovery and stability . The country
gradually transitioned to a more democratic system , with peaceful transfers of power through elections .
In 1989 , Nicholas Brathwaite of the National Democratic Congress ( NDC ) became Prime Minister , signaling a shift in political dynamics . The NDC prioritized economic reforms , attracting foreign investment and promoting tourism as a key industry .
Grenada continued to progress politically and economically throughout the 1990s and early 2000s , with successive governments emphasizing development , education , and infrastructure . In 2004 , Grenada celebrated its 30th anniversary of independence , highlighting its resilience and achievements since gaining self-governance .
Today , Grenada is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations . It has diversified its economy beyond agriculture , with tourism , education , and offshore banking playing significant roles in its development . The road to independence was marked by challenges and transformations , shaping Grenada into the vibrant nation it is today .
20
To Table of Contents