The leader of the People’s Revolutionary Army Forces from 1979-1983, Hudson Austin, died on Saturday morning following a long illness.
Austin, who was 84, was tried and convicted for causing the death of former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, some members of his cabinet, and civilians.
Affectionately called as “HA”, Austin died at his home.
In 2008, after serving more than 30 years in prison, he was released after the UK-based Privy Council ordered his resentencing and that of 16 others who were convicted for the deaths.
The group became known as the Grenada Seventeen.
Following his release from Richmond Hill Prison, Austin lived a quiet and private life. He is the third person of the Grenada 17 who has died.
The first was Kamau McBarnette who died in January 2020 and the second was Phyllis Coard who died in September 2020.
In Grenada’s history books, Austin is known as one of the earliest members of the New Jewel Movement and played a critical role in the March 13th 1979 Revolution.
The revolution collapsed in October 1983 due to internal fractions among the members.(CMC)
