On March 13, 1979, the Caribbean witnessed its first successful coup d’état within an English-speaking nation when the New Jewel Movement (NJM) orchestrated a dramatic overthrow of Grenada’s government. The revolutionary forces, comprising approximately 45 members of the National Liberation Army, launched a pre-dawn assault on the Grenada Defence Force barracks at True Blue at approximately 4:15 AM, setting the military headquarters ablaze and compelling most soldiers to flee.
The NJM leadership subsequently revealed that their hastily executed takeover was precipitated by intelligence indicating Prime Minister Eric Gairy’s alleged plan to detain and eliminate opposition members. Evidence reportedly included eight secret underground cells at the prison intended for NJM’s Political Bureau. This development followed the arrest of two NJM members in the United States in February 1979 on charges of illegal arms shipments, which had forced remaining leaders underground.
By 6:15 AM, Radio Grenada was captured without resistance, becoming the platform for the revolutionary announcement. Maurice Bishop, the movement’s leader, addressed the nation at 10:48 AM, outlining the revolution’s objectives centered on food security, adequate housing, improved health services, and a prosperous future for Grenadian children. Bishop pledged the restoration of democratic freedoms, including electoral rights and religious and political expression.
Throughout the day, police stations across the islands surrendered peacefully by hoisting white flags, with minimal exchange of gunfire. Although Gairy loyalists attempted to organize resistance at Fort George police headquarters, they recognized the futility of their efforts as NJM forces established control nationwide. By 5:00 PM, all police stations had surrendered, and most government officials, military leaders, and police officers were detained. The takeover resulted in two direct fatalities and one indirect death.
The revolution received widespread public support despite its unexpected nature, with many Grenadians viewing it as a promising alternative to the economic and political instability that had characterized the 1970s under Gairy’s leadership. Fidel Castro later characterized the event as “a successful Moncada,” drawing parallels to his own 1953 attempted coup in Cuba.
The Grenada National Museum currently hosts an extensive exhibition documenting the events leading to the revolution, its four-and-a-half-year duration, and its eventual conclusion following the execution of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and subsequent US-led invasion in October 1983.