Political Detention In Grenada ,July/11/ 1981

Reflecting on Press Freedom and Political Detention in Grenada’s Recent History

Today, July 11, 2025, marks 44 years since former Prime Minister Tillman Thomas was detained by the People’s Revolutionary Government (PRG) during the 1979–1983 period in Grenada. He was held at Richmond Hill Prison without formal charge or trial.

Mr. Thomas was taken into custody shortly after attorney-at-law Lloyd Noel and journalist Leslie Pierre. All three were associated with the independent publication The Grenadian Voice, which had recently launched at the time.

The group that carried out the detention was reportedly led by Patrick Paul, also known in the calypso world as “Praying Mantis.”

At the time, the PRG’s media policies resulted in restrictions on independent publications, including The Grenadian Voice. One prominent figure involved in the government’s communication sector then was Captain Peter David, who is now a public advocate for press freedom and equitable government advertising practices.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Tillman Thomas played a role in promoting media rights by facilitating the removal of Criminal Libel laws from Grenada’s statutes.

Criminal Libel laws were later invoked during another administration, notably under Prime Minister Keith Mitchell, in a case involving a local newspaper and its editor.

As discussions around press freedom continue, there have been calls for the passage of Freedom of Information legislation, a process that began during Mr. Thomas’s administration. That legislative initiative was not completed before the government changed in 2013.

Today’s anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on Grenada’s political journey, the challenges surrounding freedom of the press, and the evolving role of legislation in upholding democratic principles.