Herbert Augustus Blaize
Grenada- Early Life and Career
- Political Activism and the Struggle against Eric Gairy
- Opposition to the NJM and US Intervention
- Return to Power and Prime Ministership (1984-1989)
- Later Years and Legacy
Early Life and Career
Herbert Blaize was born on the island of Carriacou, Grenada, into an African-American family. He served in the colonial administration's Finance Department before becoming an English teacher and operating a soft drink business. From 1944 to 1952, he worked on the island of Aruba as a secretary-stenographer and later as a division manager for the Largo Oil Transport Company.
Political Activism and the Struggle against Eric Gairy
In 1953, Blaize co-founded the National Party of Grenada (NP), which opposed the radical-populist United Labour Party (ULP) led by Eric Gairy. Blaize became Minister of Trade and Industry in 1957 and Chief Minister in 1960. He was replaced by Gairy in 1961 but regained power in 1962, serving for four and a half years.
After Gairy seized power again in 1967, Blaize's NP formed the People's Alliance coalition with Maurice Bishop's left-wing New Jewel Movement (NJM). However, after the coalition lost the 1976 elections, it dissolved in 1979.
Opposition to the NJM and US Intervention
In March 1979, the NJM staged a coup and established a Marxist regime. Blaize retreated to Carriacou and temporarily withdrew from politics. After Bishop's overthrow in 1983, the US invaded Grenada and ousted the NJM.
Return to Power and Prime Ministership (1984-1989)
Ahead of elections in 1984, conservative and centrist parties formed the New National Party (NNP), led by Blaize. The NNP won decisively, with Blaize becoming Prime Minister once more. He presided over a period of close military and economic cooperation with the US.
Later Years and Legacy
Blaize remained Prime Minister until his death in 1989. He was known for his conservative, anti-communist views and his support for US President Ronald Reagan's policies. Blaize's legacy as a resolute opponent of authoritarianism and a proponent of close ties with the US continues to shape Grenadian politics today.
