In 1983, Grenada, a small Commonwealth Island in the Caribbean, had strong ties with Communist Cuba. Bernard Coard and a group of hard-line Marxist-Leninists overthrew the unelected Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and then executed Bishop and his entourage.President Ronald Reagan displayed a paranoic concern as he believed that, in Grenada, Cuba was building a powerful military base. To eliminate what he saw as a threat, he resolved to initiate regime change in Grenada. To justify an armed intervention, he made the safety of US citizens on the Island his casus belli.The poorly trained, lightly-armed and unmotivated military forces of Grenada were only hundreds strong. Nevertheless, Reagan assembled a major fleet and 7,500 troops to invade the island and rescue his citizens. This was an overly massive hammer to crack a miniscule nut.Reagan misled the British Government as to his intentions, ignored the trenchant views of Prime Minister Thatcher and, having assembled a cosmetic coalition of other Caribbean states, US forces invaded the island.This well-researched and perceptive book by an experienced historian examines what he describes as, ‘a masterclass in political and military ineptitude’. The invasion was judged by the United Nations to be illegal and, during the USA’s three-day Operation URGENT FURY, anything that could go wrong – did. However, the courage of American servicemen is not in question although the quality of their senior leadership is.In this far-reaching book, the author covers the trial of the murderers, and the impact of Reagan’s belligerent rhetoric that, following URGENT FURY, very nearly triggered World War III.This is a crisp, incisive summation and very readable account of an incident in modern history that restored democracy to Grenada, and led to major changes in the manner that the armed forces of the USA conduct their business. Read more

A Brief History of GrenadaA Brief History of Grenada tells the story of one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and resilient nations, known for its stunning beaches, spice trade, and vibrant culture. From its indigenous roots with the Island Carib peoples to its European colonization by the French and later the British, this book explores Grenada’s colonial history and the lasting impacts of foreign rule.The narrative traces the island's path to independence in 1974 and delves into the complex political landscape, including the short-lived but significant Grenadian Revolution of 1979, which reshaped the country’s political trajectory.The book also highlights the role of Grenada in global geopolitics, particularly the 1983 U.S. invasion, which had a lasting impact on the island's governance and international relations. Alongside its political history, the book celebrates Grenada’s rich cultural traditions, from its world-renowned nutmeg and spice production to its vibrant music, dance, and Carnival celebrations. The book also examines the nation’s efforts to build a strong economy based on agriculture, tourism, and the development of its young democracy. Through its story of resilience, political struggle, and cultural pride, "Grenada: A Small Island with a Rich History" highlights how this tiny Caribbean island has continually strived to define its identity and build a brighter future in a changing world. Read more

The triumph of the 1979 revolution in the Caribbean island of Grenada had “importance for all struggles around the world,” said Maurice Bishop, its central leader.Invaluable lessons from that workers and farmers government, overturned in a Stalinist-led coup, can be found in this collection.“The book is devoted to 27 interviews with or speeches by Bishop, covering a broad range of his beliefs, including the equality of women, education, religion, and, most prominently, U.S. imperialism in the Caribbean. “ —Library Journal Read more

Island Caribs and French Settlers in Grenada, 1498-1763 is the first detailed look at the early modern history of Grenada and the Grenadines. Like the history after 1763, this period is quite intriguing and offers fascinating insights into many aspects of Caribbean history in general. Island Caribs and French Settlers in Grenada looks at the native Amerindian populations and their reactions to Spanish invasion of the region after 1498, the early European colonization of Grenada with the failed British attempt in 1609 and the successful French settlement in 1649, and the wars of subjugation and ultimately extermination of the native populations. It also chronicles the privateering and colonial wars among the Europeans, the trials of colonial development, the establishment of plantation agriculture, and the creation and growth of African chattel slavery and the impact on economic and social institutions. The 113 years of French colonization is analyzed and discussed in great detail. It is a testament to the French and the foundation that they built between 1649 and 1763 that the British were able to create a prosperous colonial economy in the decades after Grenada’s cession in 1763. Read more

This volume provides a detailed chronological historical analysis from the earliest days of settlement by the Arawaks to the overthrow and execution of the revolutionary Prime Minister, Maurice Bishop in 1981, right up to present day. Read more

The trial of the 'Grenada 17' for the assassination of Maurice Bishop, the popular leader of the Grenada Revolution, though resulting in a guilty verdict for all of them, left many unanswered questions. Among those questions were: who ordered the killing and where was the body taken? Now, after close to four decades comes an authoritative work that, while not claiming to provide all the answers, sheds new and credible light on the tragedy which unfolded on that fateful day in October 1983 and the chilling sequence of events that precipitated them.At the heart of Godfrey Smith's revealing book, The Assassination of Maurice Bishop, is the role of Bernard Coard who, over the brief life of the revolution, was transformed from Bishop's friend and comrade into a jealous, power-hungry conspirator who manipulated a cadre of young, impressionable acolytes in the revolutionary army, to orchestrate an impractical proposal for a Bishop-Coard joint leadership which leads to a deadly schism in the party after Bishop ultimately rejects the idea, and a rapid descent into chaos ending in Bishop's assassination.Smith skilfully contrasts the charisma and populist appeal of the flamboyant Maurice Bishop with the dour, methodical and ideologically rigid Bernard Coard, the two main protagonists in this intense, gripping and high-paced narrative. Other leading actors are vividly portrayed either in their roles as loyalists to Maurice Bishop or as pawns in a Coardite power grab, as he traces the events, personalities and issues in dramatic detail from the first challenge to Bishop's leadership in the Central Committee to the harrowing denouement at Fort Rupert.The author leaves the best for last in the Afterword. For two and a half months, Smith immersed himself in Grenadian life, taking up residence in the country, beavering his way into the closed ranks of the 'Grenada 17', including all three members of the firing squad as well as its Commander, and winning the confidence of some of them. His travels also took him to Barbados, Cuba - a pivotal player in revolutionary Grenada - and to Jamaica in search of Bernard and Phyllis Coard for their version of the events.Throughout, Smith's approach is non-intrusive, allowing the characters to speak for themselves and leaving readers to make their own assessments and reach their own conclusions. In this book, he has taken Grenadians a decisive step closer towards closure and final reconciliation. Read more

A timeline of the 1979 revolution from earliest origins to tragic end. The revolutionary period in Grenada grew from the legacy of Eric Gairy to Maurice Bishop, from the 1970s through 19 October 1983. The Grenada Chronicles contain a detailed, day-by-day chronology of the events and people involved in the time of Gairy and the People's Revolutionary Government reflected from print sources. The Grenada Chronicles aim to be accurate in fact and in context. In order to assure accuracy, the source of information contained in this volume is stated. The limits and biases of the print source are varied. Sources cited favor original documents. The motive for this work is to provide information on the Grenada Revolution with no attempt, either implicit or manipulative, to present a political interest. A key reason to dwell upon the Grenada Revolution is that it needs to be told; to be passed on to the next generation. The story needs telling both for the form it took, but also for the contemporary lessons it can give. The resolution of the lessons taught is that such a tragic outcome might never happen again. The realities of the human condition are that malice and hope are strong forces. The Grenada Chronicles tell the extraordinary struggle of the youthful New Jewel Movement comrades and their evolving struggles with human frailty. Read more

Grenada: Revolution and Invasion is a wide-ranging collection of essays by academics in the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and the United States, each with a unique perspective on the revolution and its effects. Read more

A detailed examination of the broad implications of Marxist revolution, politics, and the eventual invasion of the island nation Read more

The Grenada Campaign, is a navy seals, hostage rescue mission during the grenada war invasion. there were three missions the focus of this book will be on the third mission the other missions are on u tube. any one interested in military history should check it out.thr Grenada campaign Navy SEALS hostage rescue mission 1983 during the Grenada invasion by ed vargas is a gripping account of one of the most daring and successful hostage rescue missions in history. in October 1983, a group of medical students were taken hostage by cuban and Grenadian forces during the invasion of Grenada. the situation was dire and time was running out . that when the Navy SEALS stepped in. in this book, vargas takes readers behind the scenes of the mission ,detailing the intense planning, training,and execution required to pull off such a high stakes operation he also provides a comprehensive overview of the Grenada invasion, placing the rescue mission its larger historical context. with its fast paced narrative and detailed analysis, T he Grenada campaign isa must read for any one interested in military history, special operations , or the art of leadership under pressure. vargas first hand account of the mission combined with extensive research and interviews with other SEALS involved in the operation ,make this book an invaluable resource for scholars, students and military enthusiasts alike Read more

In the fall of 1983, arguably the coldest year of the decades-long Cold War, the world's greatest superpower invaded Grenada, a Marxist-led Caribbean nation the size of Atlanta. Why and how this unlikely one-week war was waged was shrouded in secrecy at the time--and has remained so ever since. This book is an overdue reconsideration of Operation Urgent Fury, based on historical evidence that only recently has been revealed in declassified documents, oral history interviews and memoir accounts. This chronological narrative emphasizes the human dimension of a sudden crisis now regarded as the greatest foreign policy challenge of President Ronald Reagan's first term. Because the American intervention was hastily drafted, many snafus and accidents marked the chaotic initial days of the operation. Inevitably it fell to individual soldiers, aviators and sailors to perform heroic acts to make up for faulty intelligence, inadequate communication or poor coordination. This work recounts their inspiring, underreported stories in filling out a more complete portrait of Operation Urgent Fury. The final chapter recounts the invasion's aftereffects, especially the unexpected role it played in Congressional reform of the military for future combat in the Middle East. Read more

"Discover the rich history of Grenada in this concise yet comprehensive guide. Short History of Grenada takes you on a journey from its indigenous roots to European colonization, through the struggles for independence, and into modern-day development. Perfect for history enthusiasts and travelers alike, this book offers a captivating look into the culture, politics, and pivotal moments that shaped this beautiful Caribbean island. Ideal for anyone seeking to understand Grenada’s heritage, its resilience, and its unique place in the Caribbean." Read more

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating island nation of Grenada with our comprehensive guidebook, 'Grenada: Everything You Need to Know.' This text-only masterpiece offers a deep dive into every aspect of Grenada, from its rich history and vibrant culture to its stunning natural landscapes and warm hospitality.Featuring chapters covering topics such as Grenada's colonial past, its journey to independence, and its role in the Caribbean community, this book provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the island's fascinating story. Explore Grenada's breathtaking geography, from its lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls to its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Grenada's cuisine, with its exotic spices, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits.Immerse yourself in Grenada's vibrant culture, from its lively music and dance traditions to its bustling markets and historic landmarks. Learn about the island's unique language and linguistic heritage, and discover the warmth and generosity of its people.Perfect for armchair travelers, seasoned adventurers, and anyone with a passion for exploration, 'Grenada: Everything You Need to Know' is a must-have addition to any bookshelf. So, why wait? Embark on your own journey of discovery today and let Grenada captivate your imagination like never before. Read more

"This well illustrated monograph pretty much captures the essentials for understanding the events of October 1983 in Granada."―The Journal of the Air Force Historical FoundationIn 1983, the United States launched a military operation to remove the military junta that had taken over the Caribbean island of Grenada. This operation, code-named Urgent Fury, was held out by the Regan Administration as a major military success and a victory against communism. In some ways it was. In others it was a foregone conclusion, a victory against a discredited regime with little support internally or externally.Urgent Fury: Grenada 1983 examines the genesis of the Grenadian Revolution of 1979, the eventual fall of the Gairy Regime, and establishing of the English-speaking Caribbean’s only Soviet-bloc client state, albeit a short-lived one, and the rise and fall from grace of the populist Maurice Bishop. The growth and development of the People’s Revolutionary Armed Forces of Grenada are discussed and their strength, weapons and training are examined along with detail of Cuba’s military and civilian and presence and Castro’s agenda to influence the Grenadian Revolution.The fall of Bishop’s government, and his subsequent arrest and murder, along with the popular backlash that this sparked are discussed, and the call for intervention is analyzed with attention being paid to the role of the Eastern Caribbean States and their contribution towards legitimizing the US action.The planning, preparation and execution of Urgent Fury are detailed with attention being paid to the role of the Regional Security System and the Barbados Defence Force in this process. Operation Urgent Fury itself is covered in detail, with an emphasis upon the resistance of Grenadian Forces, despite many not reporting for duty.Urgent Fury: Grenada 1983 is illustrated throughout with photographs, many reproduced in full color, along with original color artworks detailing the vehicles, aircraft and troops employed by both sides. Read more

The 1965 U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic remains a unique event: the only time the Organization of American States has intervened with force on a member state's territory. It is also a classic example of a U.S. military operation that drew in America's hemispheric allies. Finally, its outcome was that rare feat in the annals of diplomacy―a peaceful political settlement of a civil war.Here for the first time is the full story of that action, as told by one of its leading participants. General Palmer was the U.S. Army's operations chief in Washington in April 1965 when the Dominican crisis broke, and was placed in command of U.S. forces deployed to the Republic. His perspective thus reflects both the perceptions of Washington officials and those of the U.S. commander on the scene.Palmer's instructions from President Johnson were to prevent another Cuba. Although the intervention remains controversial today, especially with Latin Americans, it was successful both politically and militarily, bringing unprecedented stability to the long-troubled Dominican Republic. The lesson Palmer draws is that success in such a venture comes only when political and military actions are orchestrated toward a common political goal.Palmer concludes with an assessment of the current situation in the broader Caribbean area, including a comparison of the 1965 Dominican and 1983 Grenadian interventions, and an analysis of the situation in Panama with its implications for the Canal Treaty. His book is a timely contribution to the history of the Caribbean that enlarges our understanding of this region's vital importance to the United States. Read more

“A PAGE-TURNING WHO-DONE-IT. A MUST READ!” (Horace Levy, Sociologist, University Lecturer, Civil Society activist and Journalist, Jamaica) Finally, the inside story: honest, self-critical, and based on a wealth of credible and independent documentation. Bernard Coard reveals in dramatic detail the factors, forces and personalities which cumulatively led to deepening crisis within the Grenada Revolution and ultimately to wholesale tragedy. Bernard Coard, United States and British trained economist and university lecturer, played a leading role in the NJM and in the People’s Revolutionary Government of Grenada. His experience, including 26 years as a political prisoner, offers a unique insight into the causes, course, and finally the implosion of the Revolution. Read more

On March 13th 1979, West Indians were stunned as they awoke to the news of the first successful revolution in the English Speaking Caribbean. Four and a half years later the revolution succumbed to tragedy and US military invasion. This extraordinary book is the first to give the inside story of the thinking, the internal debates, concrete plans and actions of the Grenadian revolutionary leaders as they both responded to events unfolding in the 1970’s and sought to shape them. The different and distinct personalities of the political and military leaders of the revolution come to life, as the author, from his personal knowledge as a young patriot himself, narrates the events of the period and the roles of the various leaders in them. Students of Grenadian and Caribbean history, politics and sociology will find this not only a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable read, but an indispensable reference work. Anyone, moreover, who wishes to understand the seeds of both the remarkable achievements of the Grenada Revolution and of its implosion, will also need to study this book carefully. Written in a direct, simple, engaging and at times poetic style, the ordinary citizen of Grenada, the Caribbean region, and the West Indian Diaspora will find it impossible to put this book down once the first page is read. Read more

On 21 October 1983, following the death of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, the leaders of the six small nations forming the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States voted to intervene militarily to restore order in Grenada. As none possessed the forces necessary to carry out a successful operation, the United States, fearing for its citizens on the island, and wanting to curb Cuba's growing influence, decided to get involved. This book provides a day-by-day account of the US invasion of Grenada, focusing on the units and forces deployed. Numerous contemporary photographs and colour plates detail the uniforms and equipment of the US, Cuban and Caribbean forces. Read more

In this companion volume to The Grenada Revolution: What Really Happened?, Coard completes the compelling story of the Grenada Revolution’s four and a half years. The many internal and external challenges to its existence, and its extraordinary achievements and victories, as also its mistakes, are narrated vividly and with a wealth of independent evidence. The race to institutionalize the Revolution, on the one hand, and the U.S. Reagan Administration’s determination to invade and prevent this, are captured in Coard’s trademark, gripping style. A book not to be missed! This is how reviewers describe Volume 1 The Grenada Revolution: What Really happened? “Riveting!” “Compelling!” “Spy-thriller quality!” “Informative, insightful, enlightening.” “[A] masterpiece!” “Couldn’t put it down!” “Can’t wait for the remaining volumes in the series!” [See opening pages (inside) for more reviews.] Read more

A book of photos and a brief history documenting a period of carnival pageants in Grenada from 1945 to 1974. Read more