Sir Eric Matthew Gairy PC (18 February 1922 – 23 August 1997)[1] was the first Prime Minister of Grenada, serving from his country's independence in 1974 until his overthrow in a coup by Maurice Bishop in 1979.

In 1950 he founded the Grenada Manual & Mental Workers Union (GMMWU) and was deeply involved in encouraging the 1951 general strike for better working conditions.

This sparked great unrest - so many buildings were set ablaze that the disturbances became known as the "Sky Red" days - and the British authorities had to call in military reinforcements to help regain control of the situation.

[4] 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.

Gairy's party narrowly won the 1976 election but the result was declared fraudulent by international observers due to intimidation of the opposition by the Mongoose Gang.

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

One such solidarity movement existed in San Antonio, Texas and was headed by African-American activist Mario Marcel Salas, who was active in his overthrow on a number of levels.

[9] On 13 March 1979, while 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-Gairy activity was carried out in the United States in support of the revolution to overthrow Gairy, including activists in San Antonio, Texas.