Glossary Term

Unison Whiteman

Key NJM member, economist and close friend of Grenada prime minister Maurice Bishop.
Unison Whiteman, NJM Grenada
« Back to Glossary Index

Mr. Unison Whiteman was a key member of the New Jewel Movement  NJM and close friend of Grenada prime minister, Maurice Bishop.  During the Grenada Revolution, he served as Grenada's Foreign Minister.

Educated at Howard University in Washington DC he graduated with a B.A. in Government and a M.A. in Economics.

Following a loss to Eric Gairy in the Grenada general election of 1972 as a candidate of the opposing GNP party, and his subsequent disillusionment of politics, Whiteman founded the Joint Endeavor for Welfare Education and Liberation: J.E.W.E.L. which later merged with another group, MAP, to form the New Jewel Movement in March 1973.

Initially, Whiteman, together with Bishop, served as Joint Coordinating Secretary of the NJM.

Whiteman was elected to Parliament on the opposition ticket to GULP in 1976.

Unison Whiteman was executed with Bishop and other close supporters on Bloody Wednesday, October 19, 1983 in Grenada.

Related Articles:
  • 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 4
    As news of Bishop's house arrest spreads across Grenade, public outrage mounts and mass protests break out in the streets. Mediators arrive as the 11th hours to bridge the party's deepening rift, but can the revolutionary spirit survive when the people demand answers?
  • The Grenada Revo Story, Part 5
    The revolution reaches its heartbreaking climax on October 19, 1983. Thousands rally to free Maurice Bishop, only for a tragic showdown at Fort Rupert to unfold. This riveting episode recounts the chaos, violence, and executions that end the revolutions—and forever alter Grenada's destiny—leaving us with haunting questions about power, loyalty, and legacy.
  • Grenada Revolution Timeline
    View a timeline of the Grenada Revolution
<< View the Entire Glossary
View Entire Glossary
grenada_revo2_site_logo

Discover the complete story of the Grenada Revolution with in-depth podcast episodes, timelines, glossary and articles. 

Pages
Connect

Have a comment or question? Let’s hear it!

Leave a voice message for Debbie on the Talkback line: +1 (202) 681-2126

© All rights reserved. Created by Caribbeanist.com

Can’t get enough?

Keep in touch. Get an email when new GrenadaRevo content is published.