BTUSM statement

About this item

This statement from the Black Trade Unionists Solidarity Movement condemns the 1983 invasion of Grenada by the United States and several Caribbean nations. It criticizes the complicity of certain Black governments and the British Government, while expressing solidarity with Grenada’s revolutionary government and Cuba’s support. The document highlights the broader struggle for Black self-determination, anti-imperialism, and social justice.

Key points:
– The movement condemns the invasion of Grenada by the USA and six Caribbean countries, calling the action a betrayal of Black people.
– The statement criticizes these Caribbean governments for breaking a Caricom agreement against military intervention.
– It praises the Grenadian Revolution for advancing free education, healthcare, and employment for its people.
– The invasion is framed as a U.S. effort to suppress revolutionary ideas and dominate non-white peoples resisting capitalism.
– The movement mourns those killed during the invasion, including Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and other leaders, while affirming the continuation of revolutionary struggle.

This document reflects the militant trade unionist perspective within Black British politics during the early 1980s, linking local and international struggles against racism and imperialism. It connects to Bernie Grant’s era by illustrating how Black British activists engaged in international solidarity campaigns, challenging U.S. interventionism and supporting Caribbean revolutionary movements. The statement also aligns with broader themes of anti-racism, internationalism, and political activism in Black British history.

Source note: The OCR transcript contains minor typographical errors and some unclear formatting, but the overall meaning and key points are clear and reliably conveyed.