Political Crisis: Maurice Bishop's house arrest sparks internal discord in Grenada's New Jewel Movement.

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 | Political | Global Trade |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:  | Updated:
3 min read

Maurice Bishop, the Prime Minister of Grenada, was placed under house arrest during an internal power struggle within the New Jewel Movement (NJM). The NJM, which stood at the forefront of Grenadian politics, faced intense internal discord. A faction within the party, led by Deputy Prime Minister Bernard Coard, challenged Bishop's leadership. Coard and his supporters accused Bishop of inefficiency and authoritarian tendencies, pushing for a joint leadership. This division culminated in the decision to confine Bishop to his residence, signaling a significant fracture within the NJM leadership. The ensuing power vacuum led to chaos, with military involvement deepening the instability. Although Bishop had widespread public support and was a popular leader, he was overpowered by those who sought to consolidate control within the party. The ramifications of this internal conflict were profound. It not only destabilized Grenadian politics but also drew international attention, particularly from the United States, which was concerned about the increasing influence of Marxist elements in the Caribbean. The internal strife within the NJM set the stage for escalating tensions that would soon unfold on a larger scale. The unrest impacted economic and social structures within Grenada, with long-term effects on governance and external diplomatic relations. #MauriceBishop #Grenada #PoliticalStruggle #NJM #LeadershipCrisis #HouseArrest #MoofLife
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