Hudson Austin facts for kids

Hudson Austin (born April 26, 1938 – died September 24, 2022) was a general in Grenada's army. He became the leader of Grenada for a short time in 1983. This happened after the country's leader, Maurice Bishop, was killed. Austin then led a military government.

Hudson Austin's Story

Early Life and Joining the Revolution

Hudson Austin was a member of a political group called the New Jewel Movement in Grenada. He joined the military part of this group early on. He received special army training in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Eleven other Grenadians also trained with him. Austin was special because he also trained in the Soviet Union.

In 1979, he took part in a revolution. This revolution created the People's Revolutionary Government. Maurice Bishop became the leader of this new government. After the revolution, Austin was put in charge of Grenada's military forces.

Changes in Government in 1983

In October 1983, there were big disagreements within the government. Maurice Bishop, the leader, wanted to make peace with other countries. However, Austin wanted closer ties with the Soviet Union. These disagreements caused problems.

Bernard Coard, who was the deputy prime minister, put Maurice Bishop under house arrest. Coard then took control of the government. Hudson Austin supported this action. There were protests from the public against Bishop's arrest. During one protest, Bishop was freed from house arrest. Sadly, army soldiers later killed Bishop.

Leading the Military Council

After Bishop's death, Austin ended the old government. He then formed a new military council. Austin became its chairman. He said this council would rule "until things were normal again."

He announced on the radio that Bishop had tried to take over the army headquarters. Austin claimed Bishop wanted to remove the leaders of the New Jewel Movement and the army. Because of this, Austin said, the army had to act. He stated that Maurice Bishop and several others were killed during this event. Austin then announced a four-day curfew. He warned that anyone leaving their home would be shot.

The Invasion of Grenada

Austin's military government lasted only six days. On October 25, 1983, the United States invaded Grenada. Austin was arrested along with other government and army leaders. These leaders were believed to have been involved in the decision to kill Bishop.

Austin spent many years in prison. In 2007, he asked to be released from prison. He admitted his part in what happened in 1983. He said he understood the pain and suffering of the Grenadian people. Austin was released from prison on December 18, 2008. Two other people, Colville McBarnett and John Ventour, were released with him.

See also

In Spanish: Hudson Austin para niños