Braithwaite, Nicholas (1925– )

Grenadian centrist politician, prime minister 1983–84 and 1990–95. Following the 1983 US-led invasion of Grenada, which ousted the left-wing military government of General Hudson Austin (1938– ), Braithwaite was appointed by the governor general as chair of the non-political interim council, which held power 1983–84. Leader of the centrist National Democratic Congress (NDC) from 1988, he led it to victory in 1990. His government pursued a free-market economic programme, which brought down inflation at the expense of high unemployment levels. He stepped down as NDP leader in 1994, being replaced by George Brizan (1942– ), and resigned as prime minister in 1995, shortly before a general election which brought to power Keith Mitchell, leader of the centre-right New National Party.

Born in Carriacou, Grenada, Braithwaite became a member of the liberal NDC in 1983.