Grenada: Edging Left
Since the coup in Grenada last Harch, PrimeMaurice Bishop's foreign policy has Moved closer to Cuba and the Soviet Union, aad at home, his efforts tone-party state have accelerated. Strong criticism from influential local groups and frostis^nds however, may slow Bishop's leftward turn. AVr
Foreign Policy
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Bishop admires Fidel Castro and apparently believes that the Cuban President should be the dominant political'figure in the region. Bishop's speech last month at the nonaligned summit in Havana denounced the West and solidly backed Cuban and Soviet positions; the USSR later eel jplomatic links and offered to train military personnel. Bishop returned from Havana withuban economic advisers, raising the number of Cubans in Grenada to between SOost of whom are technical personnel. Havana, which now has about six military advisers on tbe island, has been rincipal source of arms.
Bishop has been generally cool andtoward the United States, although he toldPrime Minister Clark in Ottawa in October thatwants friendly rejafcion* wiwould
Bishop stated'
is opposed to progressive governments in the region, and is still trying to isolate Cuba. Since the
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coup. Bishop bas openly accused the United States of trying to destabilize his government, has publiclyfriendly communications from Washington, and has reportedly helped two alleged Grenadian gunrunners flee US justice.
Domestic Policies
Bishop has generally been credited with responsible management of Grenada's economy. Be has stopped the customary waste and corruption of the previous government and has begun to pay off Grenada's foreign debts. In addition, he has inaugurated sound, small-scale social programs, launched needed infrastructure projects, and reorganized government-owned estates to increase their efficiency. The island1'; ciimf rate has apparently dropped dramatically.
the past month, however. Bishop's stock has been reduced significantly. The private sector was alarmed by his takeoverottling companyabor dispute. Moderate groupshis shutdown of thepress and his arrestrominent opposition leader, Winstonhas joined overolitical prisoners jailed since the coup. Bishops openly admitted that, despite his earlier pledge, he has do firm plans to hold an election. tLWLX
esult, influential Grenadians who had supported thethe Catholicpublicly denounced recent administration
actions. Late last Booth, Bishop was confronted by high school students calling for freedom to dissent "within thehe first successful demonstration against :h'- government's policies.
Prospects
Bishop apparently underestimated local reaction to his recent moves and may ease up to consolidate his gains. Be was particularly unprepared for criticism from younger Crenadians, his principal base of support, we do not believe, however, that any adjustments to prevailing winds will alter his basic leftist course.B
That course, however, may be hindered by growing criticism froa neighboring islands. Last month,leaders from Barbados, Antigua, and Trinidad and Tobagoong silence to denounce the Primelatest actions. Antigua's leading pro-CubanTim Hector, also publicly criticized Bishop's Io addition, the Caribbean Council of Churches and regional human rights and press groups--strong early lupporters ofissued protests to Grenada.
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Although the Prime Minister has ignored past US efforts to temper his policies, he is sensitive to his neighbors. While Bishop will undoubtedly hold his ground, he likely will try to avoid furtherwith influential ymsiiimmiita lo the region. Afljfl|
Original document.
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