New Jewel Movement

Quick Facts: Who was New Jewel Movement?

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New Jewel Movement

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Marxist-Leninist vanguard party in Grenada, led by Maurice Bishop (1973–1983).

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The New Joint Endeavor for Welfare, Education, and Liberation, or New JEWEL Movement (NJM), was a Marxist–Leninist vanguard party in the Caribbean island nation of Grenada that was led by Maurice Bishop. Established in 1973, the NJM issued its manifesto prior to Grenada being granted independence from the United Kingdom in 1974. The NJM took control of Grenada with a bloodless coup in 1979 and ruled by decree as the People's Revolutionary Government until 1983. In October of that year, Bishop and seven of his associates were killed by paramilitaries affiliated with hard-line elements in his own party. Those elements formed a military government, which was quickly deposed by a U.S. invasion later in October.

Career & Major Achievements

The New JEWEL Movement (NJM) was established on 11 March 1973 as an alliance of (1) the Joint Endeavor for Welfare, Education, and Liberation (JEWEL); (2) the Organization for Revolutionary Education and Liberation (OREL); and (3) the Movement for Assemblies of the People (MAP). Although "JEWEL" was originally an acronym, since then NJM's name has generally been spelled out as "New Jewel Movement". Maurice Bishop, a young lawyer who had returned to Grenada after being educated in England, and Unison Whiteman, the founder of JEWEL, were elected NJM's Joint Coordinating Secretaries. The party's manifesto was largely drafted by MAP's prominent intellectual, Franklyn Harvey, who had been influenced by the writings of C.L.R. James. In its early days, Bishop described the NJM as "a political party aimed at raising consciousness and taking political power if the accepted processes didn’t allow for electoral change." The New Jewel newspaper, the party's principal publication, featured the motto: "Not Just Another Society – But a Just Society; Let Those who Labour Hold the Reins." From 1973 to 1979, the NJM functioned as an opposition party.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

During those years, the country's political situation became increasingly polarized and violent. For the 1976 general election, the NJM forged an electoral coalition, known as the People's Alliance, with the Grenada National Party and United People's Party. However, the coalition lost to Prime Minister Eric Gairy's ruling Grenada United Labour Party. Many international observers branded the 1976 election as fraudulent. In the late 1970s, the NJM became more militant and formed the National Liberation Army (NLA), also known as "the 12 Apostles".

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1973: 1973 Milestone — Established in 1973, the NJM issued its manifesto prior to Grenada being granted independence from the United Kingdom in 1974.
2. 1976: 1976 Milestone — For the 1976 general election, the NJM forged an electoral coalition, known as the People's Alliance, with the Grenada National Party and United People's Party.
3. 1979: 1979 Milestone — The NJM took control of Grenada with a bloodless coup in 1979 and ruled by decree as the People's Revolutionary Government until 1983.

Notable Quotes by New Jewel Movement

“Not Just Another Society – But a Just Society; Let Those who Labour Hold the Reins.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: New Jewel Movement

True or False: “The New Jewel Movement was immediately recognized as a fully communist state by all major international powers upon seizing power in 1979.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The NJM described itself as Marxist-Leninist but explicitly stated it did not consider itself a communist party due to perceived internal deficiencies.

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Frequently Asked Questions about New Jewel Movement