by Linda Straker
- On 3 December 1984, NNP first voted into office, having won 14 of 15 seats
- 2 Opposition Members of Parliament indicated they will contest for position of party leader
- No date announced for convention
Dr Keith Mitchell, Political Leader of the New National Party (NNP), has said that his support for a new leader will be guided by God and his belief that this person will protect the future of the country. “I will only support someone who I believe, and seriously believe, that the future of this country must be protected,” he said without elaborating on the use of the word “protected.”
“No one, friends, no one — I will listen to my God in this respect! — no one will force Keith Mitchell… NNP means too much to me,” was Dr Mitchell’s emotional response as he spoke about the future leadership of the party during a news conference on 16 May 2024.
The news conference was called to speak about the party’s plan to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
“When I go forward and I say this is the person I am supporting and the New National Party going forward, it comes from my belly. I am not playing games with this country’s future. I will not play games, and no one could expect me to play games with the future of this country,” he added.
Recalling his decision to return to Grenada in early 1984 to work on behalf of the people, Dr Mitchell said that he has not regretted that decision, despite it meant giving up a job that was offering him a lucrative income. “You know something friends, I have not regretted one minute of it. I am at peace. I am happy having served Grenada, having given my all. I was not perfect, I made mistakes, but I believe that I have affected the lives of a lot of people, and I go to bed feeling proud of the contribution that I have made to my country, and I just want to see my country continue to move forward,” he said.
The NNP, which lost the general election in June 2022, is set to hold an overdue convention later in the year. At that convention, delegates are expected to elect a new leader. Following his taking the oath to serve as Opposition Leader in Parliament, Dr Mitchell promised that the party would have a new leader at its next convention.
To date, two Opposition Members of Parliament have indicated that they will contest for the position: Peter David, the current Assistant General Secretary; and Emmalin Pierre, the current Public Relations Officer. A date for the convention has yet to be announced.
The NNP was formed in 1984, and it will mark its 40th anniversary with a series of events culminating on 3 December. On 3 December 1984, the party was first voted into office, having won 14 of 15 seats.
I don’t understand how Dr Mitchell continues to believe that he is the only one who is capable of been the leader of the Nnp party.This man scammed his way to the leadership of the party by back stabbing Herbert Blaize now he is complaining how Peter David is trying to topple him well Keith what goes around comes around so deal with it .Dr Mitchell it is time to go it is not for you to decide you never put a succession process in place you had all the makings to be like Mugabe you even look like him.The best thing to do is let the convention decide you had a chance to go away gracefully but no one for the road so my advice to you Doc is just let the party choose it’s leader if it’s you again which I doubt so ve it but let the convention decide
This is pure and simple Blasphemy to invoke God’s name by the Doc in his political showmanship tactics.
Doc has lost the election. He has done enough damage to Grenada plus to all the countess victims of his Totalitarian Rule and Abuses spanning 2 decades.
A retired old has-been isn’t relevant anymore and the Doc cannot seem to accept this fact and reality. He just wants to continue to make waves & to seek the spotlight. The Spotlight is not on him anymore.
Keith, you just want the spotlight on you… somebody turn it off, thanks.