Maurice Rupert Bishop was born in Aruba on 29 May 1944 to Grenadian parents; was a visionary world leader and revolutionary who dedicated his life to social justice, equality, and national development. After returning to Grenada as a child, he excelled academically and later studied law in the United Kingdom, where he became deeply involved in the global movements for decolonization and human rights.

In 1979, Bishop led the New Jewel Movement to power through a popular revolution that ended years of corruption and dictatorship under the Eric Gairy regime. As Prime Minister of the People’s Revolutionary Government, he inspired Grenada through his focus on education, health care, housing, and the empowerment of ordinary citizens. These were not empty slogans but real achievements; they were the tangible results of a people united under his leadership and vision. Accomplishments that the United States government has since tried to erase from history.

His leadership brought international recognition to Grenada as a beacon of self-reliance and progressive transformation in the Caribbean and beyond. Bishop’s charisma, compassion for the poor, and belief in collective advancement made him beloved at home and respected throughout the world. Although his life was tragically cut short on 19 October 1983, his legacy endures as that of a principled and courageous leader who dreamed of a fairer, freer, and more just society for all Grenadians.

That tragedy was deepened when, soon after his death, the United States invaded Grenada to bring the Revolution to an end. Even more painful is that his body, taken by the invading forces, was never returned to his family, comrades, or the people he so dearly served. The call to recover his remains, and the remains of those who fell with him, remains unanswered — a stain on the conscience of the United States. Yet, that call will continue to echo across generations, until Maurice Bishop and his comrades are finally laid to rest in the soil of their beloved homeland. The US knows this and also knows that the Revolution lives on in the hearts of the Grenadian people — especially those born since 1983. They will do everything to divert attention away from its achievements.

We say: “Do not be diverted — tell your children, and tell everyone, about the Revo.”

WE DEMAND THAT
The United States of America

Return the Remains of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and Others Slain with him to Grenada

 Within days of their illegal invasion of Grenada, the US forces removed the bodies of slain Prime Minster Maurice Bishop, and others killed with him on the 19th October 1983. To date, they have not returned these remains to Grenada and their family & friends. 

This tactic of "disappearing" the remains of loved ones is a tactic taught by the US military to their surrogates and practiced by them. Its purpose is to instill fear; cause emotional distress to opponents; and prevent the remains becoming a rallying point.

However, we will not cease in calling on the US government to account for their retaining the remains and not providing an explanation as to their whereabouts.

For details of the campaign go to http://grenada-forwardever.net/archives/116.