Liam James

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Liam “Owusu” James was an early NJM member. James was also the leader of the student organization OREL who viewed Bernard Coard as a mentor.

During the Grenada Revolution he spent time in the Soviet Union for training. He served as the Chief of National Security and held the official post of Deputy Minister of the Interior. His responsibilities included security and secret police. James was also a member of the NJM's powerful Central Committee.

It was Liam James who first proposed the idea of joint leadership of the NJM – between Maurice Bishop and Bernard Coard – in a Central Committee meeting on or around September 14, 1983, as a solution to several issues that the party was facing.

We need to look at this situation in a special way. We are seeing the beginning of the disintegration of the [NJM] party.

— Liam James

James was one of the Grenada 17 and was imprisoned in 1986 for his role in the murders of Maurice Bishop and his supporters. He was released from prison in September 2009.

The Grenada Revo Story, Part 1
Discover the roots of the Grenada Revolution as the NJM overthrows long-time Prime Minister Eric Gairy, ushering in four years of radical change and hope for Grenada. Hear how Maurice Bishop rose to leadership, the formation of the People's Revolutionary Government, and the simmering tensions within the new regime that would ultimately set the stage for future conflict.
The Grenada Revo Story, Part 2
Follow the charismatic Maurice Bishop as he leads the NJM through ambitious reforms, with both local and international support—especially from Cuba. Hear how dreams of joint leadership with Deputy PM Bernard Coard spark international debates and exposes hidden rivalries.
Grenada Revolution Timeline
View a timeline of the Grenada Revolution

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Liam James

— Liam James

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