Army troops led by Gen. Hudson Austin have overthrown the People’s Revolutionary Government of Grenada and executed Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and at least five other leading members of the New Jewel Movement, including three ministers and two major leaders of the trade unions and of other mass organizations. The very fact that important sectors of the Grenadian people have demonstrated in the streets of St. George’s against the overthrow of Bishop and that the army has responded by imposing a curfew proves that the new rulers have in no way acted in defense of the interests and aspirations of the toiling masses. Furthermore, the communiqué by the Cuban government indicates that, contrary to the disinformation ploy of Washington and the world capitalist press, the Cuban leadership has condemned the actions of Austin and company.
The Fourth International categorically denounces these actions and states that those responsible for such crimes should be brought to Justice by the Grenadian people.
The People’s Revolutionary Government, under the leadership of Maurice Bishop and the New Jewel Movement since the very beginning, had carried out wide-ranging social, political, and economic changes that benefited the working masses. Its overthrow represents a devastating blow to the Grenadian revolution and will have a negative impact on the struggles of oppressed peoples, first of all in the Caribbean and Central America.
Since the victory of the revolution, Grenada became the target of imperialist attack, of economic and political pressures and blackmail, and threats of direct aggression. In the context of the present crisis, imperialism will try by every means to finish off the revolution. A 10-ship U.S. task force carrying 1,900 marines was immediately sent toward the coast of Grenada under the guise of protecting U.S. citizens there.
The Fourth International denounces all the imperialist maneuvers, which are aimed not only at Grenada, but also at the revolutionary government in Nicaragua, all the revolutions in Central America, and the Cuban workers state. It appeals to the revolutionary organizations and the working class movement to continue and intensify the worldwide campaign in support of the revolutionary regimes and movements in the Caribbean and Central America.
Working people and all supporters of the Grenadian revolution should stand guard and fight:
For the immediate lifting of the curfew and all the repressive measures and for reestablishment of all democratic rights of the masses. Against all the imperialist maneuvers in the region and for the immediate withdrawal of all imperialist armed forces from all the countries of Central America and the Caribbean.
For the defense of the revolutionary achievements of the workers and farmers of Grenada.
Imperialist hands off Grenada!