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Winston Bernard CoardGrenadian politician
Date of Birth: 10.08.1944
Country:  Grenada |
Content:
- Bernard Coard: A Controversial Figure in Grenadian History
- Return to Grenada and Rise in the New Jewel Movement
- Coup and Imprisonment
- Trial and Sentencing
- Post-Release and Legal Proceedings
- Legacy
Bernard Coard: A Controversial Figure in Grenadian History
Early Life and Political AwakeningBernard Coard was born in Grenada into a working-class family. He attended the University of Brandeis in the United States and later worked as a teacher in London. It was during this time that he became involved in communist politics, joining the Communist Party of the United States and the Communist Party of Great Britain.
Return to Grenada and Rise in the New Jewel Movement
In 1976, Coard returned to Grenada and joined the New Jewel Movement (NJM), a leftist political party led by his close friend Maurice Bishop. He quickly rose through the ranks of the party, becoming its co-chairman alongside Bishop.
Coup and Imprisonment
In 1979, the NJM led a bloodless coup against the government of Eric Gairy. Coard became Deputy Prime Minister in the new government headed by Bishop. However, in October 1983, Coard orchestrated a coup against Bishop and his supporters, resulting in a violent confrontation. Following the invasion of Grenada by the United States, Coard was arrested and charged with organizing the coup.
Trial and Sentencing
In 1986, Coard was sentenced to death for his role in the coup. The death sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment in 1991. He remained in prison for 26 years, despite his claims of innocence.
Post-Release and Legal Proceedings
In 2009, Coard was released from prison. In 2014, he was granted permission to appeal his conviction and sentence. The Privy Council of the United Kingdom overturned his murder conviction, but upheld his sentence for manslaughter.
Legacy
Bernard Coard remains a controversial figure in Grenadian history. He is credited with playing a key role in the overthrow of the Gairy regime, but his actions during the coup against Bishop continue to raise questions about his character and political motives.
