The interview of Maurice Bishop is filled with hurt and hope. In this interview, the former prime minister of Grenada focuses on three main messages, including liberty, strength, and openness to communication. Here, while Bishop acknowledges the country’s dependence on the capitalistic world, the prime minister wants to accentuate the importance of the normalization of his homeland and its independence.
As Maurice Bishop puts it, Grenada is developing and welcomes millions of American tourists and students each year. Bishop sees “the need to deepen ties, the need to ensure that even more American visitors come to our country every year is a critical and burning” objective (Maurice Bishop Speaks 10.09). There is a necessity to create contact with the official government of the USA. Grenada wants to create a new mechanism that could normalize the relationships with other countries. At this time, the government and the citizens want to have a new beginning with mutual understanding and respect.
Additionally, according to Maurice Bishop, the people of third-world countries need to press for normalization. Many third-world countries are fighting for aid, trade, and international investments. With the help of the revolution, Grenada was able to decrease the unemployment rate. The last message of Bishop is that no matter what the conditions of the country and its relationships, whether the country is experiencing the diplomatic or economic downfall or pressure, the people of Grenada will not “fall over and play like an ostrich.” The Prime Minister, thus, accentuates the strength of the citizens.
These messages figure into the broader discussion and can find a reflection in the Grenadian revolution that gave the impetus to stronger self-determination and sovereignty in the Caribbean. The national spirit of Caribbean people awoke, which helped the countries contribute to community development (Maurice Bishop Speaks). Throughout decades, nations of the Caribbean maintained the values of democracy and sovereignty.
Hence, the message of Maurice Bishop is focused on the restructuring of the relationships and lives in Grenada. Bishop sheds light on the problems of international relations, liberty, and strength. The message of the former prime minister can and will be applicable to younger or future generations of the countries of the third world. His discussions make people follow what is right and strive for the improvement of their country, and not endure injustice.
Works Cited
“Maurice Bishop Speaks.” YouTube, uploaded by CITV, 2017, Web.