Biden congratulates Grenada on independence anniversary
The Joe Biden administration has congratulated the people of Grenada on the 48th anniversary of political independence from Great Britain, saying that Grenada and the US “share close ties and a strong, steadfast partnership.”
“We appreciate Grenada’s role in addressing the climate crisis and are proud to work together to improve regional security and advance the health and prosperity of the Caribbean,” said US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken in a statement on Monday.
“Our collaboration with Grenada on education and entrepreneurship helps ensure a more prosperous future for the people of Grenada,” he added. “In the year ahead, we look forward to the inauguration of two emergency operations centers in Grenada and Carriacou that will support Grenada’s security and resilience.
“The United States values the strong relationship between our two countries and wishes the citizens of Grenada a happy Independence Day,” Blinken continued.
Grenada obtained its independence on Feb. 7, 1974 under the leadership of Sir Eric Matthew Gairy, who became the “Spice Isle’s” first prime minister.
Three years later, the Marxist–Leninist-led New Jewel Movement overthrew Gairy’s government in a bloodless coup d’état, establishing the People’s Revolutionary Government (PRG), headed by charismatic lawyer Maurice Bishop as prime minister.
After Bishop was subsequently arrested and executed by members of the People’s Revolutionary Army (PRA), the Ronald Reagan administration in Washington invaded Grenada, in October 1983, under the pretext of rescuing American medical students at St. George’s Medical School.
Grenada has since returned to a parliamentary representative democracy and has remained politically stable, with the reign of incumbent Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell.
