Eric Gairy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Eric Mathew Gairy
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| 1st Prime Minister of Grenada | |
| In office 7 February 1974 – 9 March 1979 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | Leo de Gale Paul Scoon |
| Preceded by | Himself as Premier |
| Succeeded by | Maurice Bishop |
| Premier of Grenada | |
| In office 25 August 1967 – 6 February 1974 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Herbert A. Blaize |
| Succeeded by | Himself as Prime Minister |
| Chief Minister of Grenada | |
| In office August 1961 – 19 June 1962 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | George E. D. Clyne |
| Succeeded by | Herbert A. Blaize |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 18, 1922 Dunfermline, Grenada |
| Died | August 23, 1997 (aged 75) Grand Anse, Grenada |
| Political party | Grenada United Labour Party |
| Spouse | Cynthina Gairy (1949-1997) |
| Children | Jennifer and Marcelle |
Sir Eric Matthew Gairy (born February 18, 1922 – died August 23, 1997) was an important political leader in Grenada. He became the first Prime Minister of Grenada when the country gained its independence in 1974. He served until 1979, when his government was overthrown.
Before Grenada became independent, Gairy also led the government. He was the Chief Minister from 1961 to 1962 and then the Premier from 1967 to 1974. He played a big role in Grenada's journey to becoming an independent nation.
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Early Life and Work
Eric Matthew Gairy was born on February 18, 1922, in Dunfermline, a village in St. Andrew's Parish, Grenada. His parents were Douglas and Theresa Gairy. He went to LaFillette School and then St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Senior School. He also helped out at the St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church.
From 1939 to 1941, he worked as a student-teacher at LaFillette School. After that, he moved to Aruba, an island in the Caribbean. There, he worked for several years at an oil refinery called the Lago Oil and Transport Company.
Becoming a Union Leader
In December 1949, Eric Gairy returned to Grenada. He wanted to get involved in helping workers and in politics. In 1950, he started the Grenada Manual & Mental Workers Union (GMMWU). This union aimed to improve conditions for workers.
Gairy was a key figure in a large strike in 1951. Workers wanted better pay and working conditions. This strike caused a lot of trouble, with many buildings being set on fire. People called these events the "red sky" days because of all the fires. The British authorities had to send soldiers to help bring things under control, and Gairy was arrested.
Starting a Political Party
In 1951, Gairy founded the Grenada United Labour Party. This party became very popular. He was elected to Grenada's Legislative Council in 1951, 1954, and 1957. This council helped make laws for the colony.
For a short time, between 1957 and 1961, he was not allowed to take part in political activities and lost his seat.
Leading Grenada's Government
Chief Minister: 1961–1962
Gairy was re-elected in July 1961. His party won the election that year, so he became the Chief Minister of Grenada. He also served as the Minister of Finance, managing the country's money. He held these roles from August 1961 until April 1962. He was removed from his position by the British Governor.
Leader of the Opposition: 1962–1967
In the 1962 election, Gairy's party did not win. So, he became the leader of the opposition, meaning he led the group of politicians who were not in power. He served in this role until 1967.
Premier: 1967–1974
Gairy's party won the 1967 election. He then became the Premier of Grenada, which was an Associated State at the time. This meant Grenada had control over its internal affairs but Britain was still responsible for defense and foreign policy. He won again in the 1972 election and continued as Premier.
First Prime Minister of Independent Grenada: 1974–1979
On February 7, 1974, Grenada became fully independent from Great Britain. Eric Gairy became the first Prime Minister of Grenada.
During his time as Prime Minister, there was a lot of political tension in Grenada. Gairy had a group of security forces known as the Mongoose Gang. This group was known for causing fear among people who opposed the government.
In the 1976 election, Gairy's party won by a small margin. However, some international observers said the election was not fair because of intimidation by the Mongoose Gang.
Gairy and UFOs
On November 27, 1978, Eric Gairy spoke at the United Nations. He led a group that included scientists and an astronaut to discuss the topic of UFOs. He was very interested in this subject.
Overthrow of Gairy's Government
In the late 1970s, another political group called the New Jewel Movement (NJM) began to plan to take over the government. Members of this group received military training outside of Grenada.
In 1979, a rumor spread that Gairy planned to use the Mongoose Gang to harm leaders of the New Jewel Movement while he was out of the country. Because of this, the NJM, led by Maurice Bishop, launched an armed revolution on March 13, 1979. They overthrew Gairy's government while he was visiting the United States. Bishop then suspended the constitution, and the New Jewel Movement ruled Grenada until 1983.
Life After Power
Gairy stayed in the United States until 1983. In that year, the United States and some Caribbean allies invaded Grenada. This happened after the military government that had overthrown Bishop was itself overthrown and Bishop was killed.
After the invasion, Gairy returned to Grenada. He tried to win elections again in 1984, 1990, and 1995. However, his party did not win enough votes to return to power.
Eric Gairy died on August 23, 1997, in Grand Anse, Grenada.
See also
In Spanish: Eric Gairy para niños
