By Friday October 14, 1983 reports of Maurice Bishop’s house arrest appear in the regional press and news begins to spread rapidly.In an effort to explain the party’s position and perhaps appease Grenadians, several of the core NJM members visit the various ministries and mass workplaces across Grenada. But the reaction of the masses isn’t quite what many in the NJM leadership had anticipated.

Although no official word is given by NJM saying that Bishop is under house arrest, the party explains to civilians that Deputy Prime Minister, Bernard Coard is to be the new NJM leader.