Grenada Independence Day – February 7, 2025

History of Grenada Independence Day

Before the Europeans arrived in the Americas, Grenada was home to the indigenous peoples from South America. The island of Grenada was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1498 during his third voyage to the Americas. Since then, Grenada has been under various European occupations since the start of colonization of the new world in the 16th century. In 1649, France assumed full control of the island, becoming one of the wealthiest colonies due to its bountiful sugar production. Following French defeat in the Seven Years’ War, the Treaty of Paris ceded Grenada to Great Britain in 1763. Having overcome a brief rebellion by pro-French forces, Grenada remained a British colony for more than 200 years.

Movements toward independence sprung up in the 1950s and in March 1967, Grenada became an associated state. This status helped them get full autonomy over the nation’s internal affairs. Grenada won its independence from the United Kingdom on February 7, 1974, and Eric Gairy became the first prime minister of the country.

The newly independent country became a member of the Commonwealth while Queen Elizabeth continued to function as the Head of State. In March 1979, Eric Gairy’s government was overthrown in a bloodless coup d’état by the Marxist–Leninist New Jewel Movement. This established the People’s Revolutionary Government. The new government was headed by Maurice Bishop as Prime Minister. Bishop was later arrested and executed by members of the People’s Revolutionary Army, which led to an American invasion in October 1983. Since then, Grenada has returned to electoral democracy and has remained politically stable.