by Linda Straker
- Decision to step into political life comes from single desire to give back to the nation
- Political opponents should be obsessed with collective success of the nation
- NDC’s changed journey will see party becoming more involved with the people
Dickon Mitchell, the newly elected political leader of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), said that his decision to step into political life comes from the single desire to give back to the nation, and his personal desire to assist in improving the lives of others.
“My greatest gratification comes from the success of others, that is the sole reason why I have entered politics and why I have offered myself to serve because as a public servant. As a politician you should be obsessed with the success of others,” Mitchell said in his debut news conference, 3 days after he was elected by the NDC delegates during the party’s convention.
Mitchell, who is a lawyer by profession, said that this changed journey will see the party becoming more involved with the people. “We the NDC shall walk the length and breadth of Grenada to meet with you. We want to find out what are your issues, what is important to you, and what are the ways you wish to see those issues addressed.”
“We will meet all stakeholders starting with the churches, the labour unions, the Trades Union Council, the community groups, sporting groups and clubs,” he said. “We will meet and form a pact with all of you to formulate policies informed by those matters that you have identified as being important,” the 44-year-old Mitchell promised. Other stakeholders named included teachers, educators, nurses and doctors, farmers, civil society, the business community, and unemployed youths.
He gave the assurance that the NDC policies will address putting people first. “The poor and vulnerable amongst us, to protect and help you, and critically to ensure that you do not forever remain poor and vulnerable, to ensure that as we all desire you to become a part of the Grenadian dream of a prosperous and sustainable Grenada,” he declared.
STORY: New NDC leader became politician to improve the [lives] of others.
ME: Of course he did. Why would anyone doubt the noble intentions of any politician…?
I am pleased to see younger people coming into politics. We need an invigorated opposition party. He appears well intentioned. His task will not be easy as governments have little or no influence on the economic situation, especially in an impoverished (artificial) state such as Grenada. I wish him well.
Generalized comments from a politician that is looking for votes in the next general election in Grenada. My question to the NDC Leader is how he will accomplish all this in these trying times for the marginalized Grenadian citizen?