This academic year, I have the privilege of working alongside Dr Umoren with regard to her research project on the US-led plot to invade the island of Dominica in the early 1980s, specifically concerning documents between 1980 – 1983. These included a mix of judicial decisions and FBI files. A total of 4 reports were produced.
On 12th May 1982, the defendants Patrick John, Julian David, Dennis Joseph, and Malcolm Reid, were tried on two counts. The first count entailed a conspiracy to overthrow the lawfully constituted Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica by force of arms, whereas the second count referred to the conspiracy to assault Police Officers in Execution of their duties. In both counts, the aforementioned defendants Michael Perdue and Wolfgang Dreoge, amongst others, were also complicit. All of the defendants pleaded Not Guilty.
Research
The motivations and actions of each of these characters were analysed in turn. Particular regard was given to the political context in which the attempted coup was situated; namely, one in which white power internationalism was gaining traction, and how contentious and fraught the process of decolonisation in the Caribbean actually was.
Following this trial, subsequent appeal cases were also examined in detail. Upon appeal, Patrick John was convicted of treason and sentenced to 12 years in prison. The jury also found Malcolm Reid and Julian David guilty.
The FBI files were a largely ancillary source of evidence used to confirm the guilt of the aforementioned parties.
Personal Experience
The unique intersection this research project provided between international politics and history is of particular interest to me. Although the case and events surrounding the investigation occurred over 30 years ago, the issues raised with regard to the potential success of processes of decolonisation, white supremacy corrupting the democratic process, and the driving force behind controversial political imperatives more generally remain highly relevant today. The research was conducted with this intersectionality in mind, as it highlights not only the significance of particular historical events but investigates deeply the personalities of those driving these unique political movements.