Honoring the Life & Legacy of Maurice
Bishop and the People’s Revolutionary
Government of Grenada

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The October 19th Communique

Background

October 17 – 21, 2023, the Institute of the Black World 21st Century embarked on a journey to Grenada with a distinguished Delegation of civil rights/human rights and faith leaders, scholars and journalists to participate in the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the martyrdom of Maurice Bishop, the visionary, courageous and inspirational leader of the New Jewel Movement and Prime Minister of the People’s Revolutionary Government.

On October 19th, 1983, a day that will live in infamy in the annals of the history of the Caribbean and the Pan African world, Maurice Bishop, this bright shining beacon of hope for Grenada, the Caribbean, the Black world, and humankind was assassinated along with members of his cabinet at the behest of the leaders of an attempted coup.

This heinous event was followed by an opportunistic invasion by the U.S. to crush the remnants of the People’s Revolutionary Government and to prevent the rise of what the CIA described as an “English-speaking version of Cuba in the Caribbean.” These tragic events left a wound in the soul of the nation that has festered unhealed for forty years.

But “truth crushed to earth will rise again.” In truth, the spirit of Maurice Bishop and the People’s Revolutionary Government has never died. It was simply buried just beneath the surface in the hearts, minds, and souls of generations of the Grenadian people. With the election of the Honorable Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, a bright young visionary and his Government, the promise of hope and healing burst into the light; a promise of hope that the spirit of Maurice Bishop and the People’s Revolutionary Government will be resurrected to inspire a new generation to examine the strengths and weaknesses, obstacles and triumphs of Maurice Bishop and the People’s Revolutionary Government’s valiant endeavor to create a participatory, people-centered democracy in Grenada.

Encouraged by the leadership of PM Dickon Mitchell, the Institute of the Black World 21st Century invited him to attend State of the Black World Conference V in Baltimore this past April to deliver a Tribute to Maurice Bishop. Though he was unable to attend due to a last-minute conflict in his schedule, PM Mitchell recorded a powerful and inspirational tribute to Maurice Bishop in which he informed the Participants at this milestone global gathering of his intention to declare October 19th a National Holiday. As a result, the leadership of IBW pledged to incorporate organizing a delegation to attend the October 19th commemorative proceedings into the Baltimore Declaration, the official Action Agenda of State of the Black World Conference V.

PM Mitchell kept his pledge by establishing Grenada’s first ever national holiday honoring its heroes. His government declared October 19, 2023 National Heroes Day in honor of Maurice Bishop and the nineteen (19) Grenadians who were martyred on that day forty years ago. IBW was honored to participate in this long overdue and momentous occasion. Don Rojas, IBW’s Director of Communications and International Relations, who served as Press Secretary for Maurice Bishop and the People’s Revolutionary Government and Dr. Ron Daniels, President of IBW had the privilege of speaking on the official program at the Kirani James Stadium, Queens Park in St. George.

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Participation in the official commemoration was indeed a highlight of the Delegation’s journey to Grenada, but there were several other significant highlights during our visit:

• A Cross-Generational Dialogue with youth and students and leaders of organizations that work with young people.
• Attending the Candlelight Vigil at the Carenage in St. George’s.
• Participating in the Pilgrimage and Wreath Laying Commemoration at the courtyard of Fort George where Maurice Bishop, members of his Cabinet and supporters were killed.
• Courtesy visit with Luis Ernesto Morejon Rodriguez, Cuba’s Ambassador to Grenada.
• Courtesy visit with Jorge Alfonso Guerro Veloz, Venezuela’s Ambassador to Grenada.
• Courtesy visit Honorable Dessima Williams, President of the Senate for the Government of Grenada.
• Courtesy visit with Honorable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of the Government of Grenada.

As a result of this moving, informative and inspirational experience, IBW is committed to building substantive relationships with civil society organizations and the Dickon Mitchell Government to constructively contribute to the healing and reemergence of Grenada as a leading beacon of progressive change in the Caribbean and the Pan African world. To that end, we propose to move forward on the following Action Agenda in collaboration with civil society organizations and the government of Grenada:

Action Agenda

Impacting U.S. Policy Toward Grenada

Since the middle of the 19th Century, the Monroe Doctrine has unfortunately guided the U.S. Government’s ill-fated policy toward nations in the Caribbean, Central and Latin America for decades. Time and time again, the U.S. has invaded or otherwise interfered in the affairs of nations in this region to promote the narrow interests of the Capitalist class, frequently supporting brutal dictatorships over progressive forces viewed as “communist” or “socialist.” Grenada and its people were clearly a victim of this misguided Doctrine. However, African Americans and allies in the U.S. have the capacity to positively impact U.S. policy towards Grenada and other nations in the Caribbean region.

IBW has extensive relationships with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, the African American Mayors Association, journalists, civil rights/human rights, labor and faith leaders. IBW is committed to utilizing these relationships to mobilize support for the social and economic aid/assistance needed by Grenada and press for U.S. policy to be aligned with the interests and aspirations of the people of Grenada as expressed by civil society organizations and reflected in the policies of the Government consistent with the wishes of the people. IBW will immediately begin meeting and orienting key influencers in the U.S.  for this purpose.

A U.S. Apology and Return of the Remains of the Martyrs

The U.S. Government not only invaded Grenada to destroy the remnants of the People’s Revolutionary Government, in an act of cruelty and gross inhumanity, the bodies of Maurice Bishop and Members of his Cabinet were seized and desecrated. Initially the remains appear to have been secretly buried to prevent marked gravesites from becoming symbols of martyrdom and resistance. According to information shared at National Heroes Day ceremonies by Roman Catholic priest Father Sean Doggett, the remains may have eventually been incinerated. For forty years, the mystery of what happened to the remains of the Martyrs has haunted the grieving families who have not been afforded the dignity and decency of providing a proper burial for their loved ones. The U.S. Government must make amends for this unspeakable injustice.

IBW is committed to meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus, civil rights/human rights and faith leaders in the U.S. to demand that the U.S. Government return the remains of the Martyrs and officially apologize to the families and the people of Grenada for this unconscionable transgression. Achieving this goal is an immediate priority for IBW.

Promoting Cultural Historical
Tourism for Education and Development

Grenada’s unique history prior to and including the period of the rise of Maurice Bishop and the People’s Revolutionary Government is a national resource and asset that can serve as the basis for cultural historical tourism. Promoting Grenada’s unique history can be a positive attraction for tourists from around the Caribbean, Black America and the Pan African world that will not only be educational but will substantially contribute to the economic development of the nation.

Working with Government and civil society organizations, IBW is prepared to play a leading role in promoting cultural historical tourism as follows:

• Organizing cultural historical tours for African Americans, Grenadians and friends of Grenada to experience the unique history and culture of Grenada and contribute to the nation’s development.
• Support efforts to raise funds for the establishment of a Maurice Bishop Museum.
• Support efforts to create a historical marker or monument in the birthday place of Louise Helen Norton Little, the mother of Malcolm X, who was born in La Digue, St. Andrews.
• Facilitate periodic visits by PM Dickon Mitchell to the U.S. to share the social, economic and political policy goals of the Government with African Americans, the Grenadian Diaspora and friends of Grenada – and to promote cultural-historical tourism for development.

Promoting Socially Responsible Economic/Business Development in Grenada

Grenada is a beautiful country with a rich history and vast opportunities for economic investment and growth in a variety of sectors of its economy. The nation is open for business for external investors willing to partner with local entrepreneurs and companies to advance socially responsible economic/business development in Grenada.

IBW has relationships with an extensive network of socially responsible economic/business organizations and entrepreneurs that can be encouraged to invest in Grenada. The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, Black Church Means Business Network, Federation of Southern Cooperatives and Fraser Net’s Power Networking Conference represent thousands of business and professionals leaders and entrepreneurs who can be cultivated to invest in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

To that end, with the support of the Government and business interests in civil society, IBW proposes to organize delegations of Black business and professional leaders and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities for socially responsible economic/business partnerships in Grenada.

Volunteer Support for Grenada’s Health Care System

Developing nations like Grenada typically need assistance providing health care and medical services to its population, particularly in rural areas. IBW commends Cuba for sending doctors to Grenada and other nations that offer this kind of vital assistance.

With the approval of the Ministry of Health and in collaboration with civil society healthcare organizations and agencies, IBW will encourage Black healthcare and medical associations in the U.S. to organize periodic volunteer medical, dental and mental health clinics in rural and impoverished areas to augment the services of the Government, Cuban doctors and other voluntary initiatives. The National Medical Association (Black doctors), National Dental Association (Black dentists) and the Association of Black Psychologists are among the organizations IBW will seek to enlist for this initiative.

Continuing the Cross-Generational
Dialogue with Youth and Students of Grenada

The Cross-Generational Dialogue facilitated by IBW was warmly received and was very impactful. Secondary and university students came well prepared to ask questions about the legacy of Maurice Bishop and the People’s Revolutionary Government in terms of accomplishments and shortcomings of this short-lived period in Grenada’s history. Participants across generations opened-up to share the wounds and pain still plaguing them because of the tragic events of October 19, 1983. They welcomed the opportunity to share their stories and those that they had heard from parents, grandparents, and relatives as therapeutic and healing in a safe space created by empathetic friends with the IBW delegation. It was an amazing experience and many of the participants requested that IBW continue to facilitate these kinds of dialogues.

Working collaboratively with civil society organizations and appropriate agencies of the Government, IBW is committed to exploring ways of continuing and expanding the Cross-Generational Dialogue initiated during our visit.

Creating Maurice Bishop Brigades
to Engage Young Leaders in Grenada’s Development

Across the Pan African world, young leaders are rising-up to confront oppressive conditions and to constructively engage in transforming exploitative political and economic systems. Black Lives Matter, the Movement for Black Lives, Hip-Hop Caucus and Teaching Artist Institute in the U.S. and Friends of the Congo and Africans Rising on the continent are illustrative of a young generation of activists and organizers on the move to create a better world; leaders who also have a progressive Pan African consciousness and are therefore eager to connect with their counterparts throughout the Black world. Their spirit mirrors the vision, aspirations and work of Maurice Bishop and the New Jewel Movement.

Acting in collaboration with the Government and the appropriate civil society organizations and agencies, IBW will explore creating Maurice Bishop Brigades from the U.S. to spend a specified period in the summer to learn about the history and culture of Grenada and engage in public service projects in various sectors of the nation’s social and economic systems, e.g., education, culture, agriculture, housing, economic development, etc. Units of the Brigades could also be named after Martyrs of the People’s Revolutionary Government based on their Cabinet Portfolio, e.g., Jacqueline Creft, Education, Norris Bain, Housing.

Building a Relationship with the Grenada Reparations Commission

The Institute of the Black World 21st Century is the Convener and Administrator for the National African Reparations Commission (NAARC) – which is an authoritative voice providing expertise and guidance for the surging reparations movement in the U.S. NAARC also has a collaborative and synergistic relationship with the CARICOM Reparation Commission – which is the cornerstone of the Caribbean and global reparations movement.

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission has declared that “reparations will be the human rights issue of the 21st Century.” IBW contends that as Grenada reemerges as a leading progressive nation in the Caribbean and the Pan African world, with the support of civil society and government, it is important that the Grenada Reparations Commission forge to the forefront of the Caribbean and global reparations movements.

To achieve this goal, IBW will work to facilitate a strong bi-lateral relationship between the National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC) and the Grenada Reparations Commission, including but not limited to initiating a dialogue among the Commissions and planning exchange visits. We believe Grenada should be a leading voice for reparatory justice in the Caribbean and the Pan African world.

Conclusion

The initiatives and projects outlined above constitute the Action-Agenda which is an outgrowth of IBW’s Delegation to Grenada on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the martyrdom of Maurice Bishop, members of his Cabinet and supporters. Taken together they represent a substantial commitment by IBW to invest human and material resources to support Grenada’s re-emergence as a beacon of hope for progressive Pan Africanism in the Caribbean and the Black World.

“Truth crushed to earth, will rise again.” IBW is firmly committed to respectfully and constructively engaging in Grenada’s re-ascendance on the world stage by implementing this Agenda. This exciting process will begin with IBW organizing a high-profile Delegation to participate in the 50th Anniversary of Grenada’s independence in February of 2024.

Long Live the legacy of Maurice Bishop,
Long Live the spirit of the People’s Revolutionary Government of Grenada.
Forward Ever! Backward Never!

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Institute of the Black World 21st Century Delegation to Grenada

• Dr. Ron Daniels, President, Institute of the Black World 21st Century (IBW), Convenor, Pan-African Unity Dialogue (PAUD), Convener, National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC)
• Mr. Don Rojas, IBW’s Director of Communications and International Relations, former Director of Communications, National Association of Colored People (NAACP) USA, Press Secretary, PM Maurice Bishop and the People’s Revolutionary Government of Grenada
• Ms. Mary France-Daniels, Retired Educator, Secretary and First Lady of IBW
• Dr. Claire Nelson, Black Futurist, President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies, Founder of Caribbean American Heritage Month, USA
• Mr. James Early, Former Smithsonian Institution Assistant Secretary for Education and Public Service, Expert and Advocate for Afro-Descendants in Latin America and the Caribbean, International Affairs Analyst
• Mr. Herb Boyd, Journalist, Senior Staff Writer, New York Amsterdam News, Award Winner Author, Political Commentator
• Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, Bishop Emeritus, House of the Lord Churches, USA, Co-Founder, National Black United Front, Author, Noted Civil Rights, Human Rights Leader
• Mr. Milton Allimadi, Editor/Publisher, The Black Star News, Assistant Professor of Journalism, Columbia University, Charter Member, Pan African Unity Dialogue (PAUD)
• Mr. David Abdulah, Economist, Founder and Leader, Movement for Social Justice, Political Commentator, a Leader of Federation of Independent Trade Unions and NGO, Trinidad and Tobago

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