20 Facts About Eric Gairy

Eric Matthew Gairy was the son of Douglas and Theresa Gairy, and was born 18 February 1922 in Dunfermline, St Andrew's Parish on the eastern side of the island near Grenville, Grenada.

Eric Gairy attended the LaFillette School and then the St Andrews Roman Catholic Senior School.

Eric Gairy was an acolyte at St Andrew's Roman Catholic Church, next door to the school.

Eric Gairy became a primary "student-teacher" in the LaFillette School from January 1939 to September 1941.

Eric Gairy moved to Aruba where he worked several years in the oil refinery of the Lago Oil and Transport Company.

Eric Gairy returned to Grenada in December, 1949 to enter trade unionism and politics.

Eric Gairy was elected as a representative of the Colony of Grenada's Legislative Council in 1951,1954, and 1957.

Eric Gairy was banned from political activities and lost his seat between 1957 and 1961.

Eric Gairy was returned in a by-election in July 1961 and became Chief Minister, as his party held a majority in the Legislative Council since winning the 1961 general election.

Eric Gairy served as Chief Minister and Minister of Finance from August 1961 until April 1962 when he was dismissed by the British colonial Governor for the questionable use of state funds.

Eric Gairy's party lost the 1962 general election and he served as leader of the opposition between 1962 and 1967.

Eric Gairy won the 1967 general election and formed a new administration as Premier of the Associated State of Grenada.

Since Eric Gairy was on the judging panel, inevitably there were many accusations that the contest had been rigged.

Eric Gairy won the 1972 general election and formed a new administration as Premier of the Associated State of Grenada.

Eric Gairy became the first Prime Minister of Grenada when Grenada achieved independence from Great Britain on 7 February 1974.

On 27 November 1978, Eric Gairy led a group including scientists and an astronaut in addressing the United Nations on the subject of UFOs.

On 13 March 1979, while Eric Gairy was at the UN for further discussions on UFOs, the New Jewel Movement led by Maurice Bishop launched a bloodless coup and overthrew the government.

Anti-Eric Gairy activity was carried out in the United States in support of the revolution to overthrow Eric Gairy, including activists in San Antonio, Texas.

Eric Gairy then returned to Grenada and campaigned in the elections of 1984, claiming to be a changed man.

On June 7,1996, while Eric Gairy was in Venezuela, he suffered a stroke and had to be hospitalized.