by Linda Straker
- NNP founded 40 years ago, is about team of people committed to country’s
- Emmalin Pierre become first female party leader on 15 December 2024
- Former NNP political leader has called on members and supporters to protect Pierre and party
Dr Keith Mitchell, former political leader of the New National Party (NNP), has called on members and supporters to be prepared to protect the recently elected leader and defend the party because there are people working to ensure the party doesn’t ever return to administer the affairs of the country.
“I am warning you, get ready, stand with your armour to defend the future of this party and the future of this country,” Dr Mitchell said as he addressed the party’s Youth Convention during the open session which was broadcast live via the party’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
He said the party which was founded 40 years ago, is not about one-manism but about a team of people who are committed to the future of the country. On 15 December 2024, Emmalin Pierre was elected to lead the party, becoming the first female leader of the party which has won election 6 times since its formation.
Pierre is also the third leader of the political organisation which was formed to contest the 1984 General Election. That was the first general election after the collapse of the People’s Revolutionary Government (PRG). Before being elected leader, she served as its Public Relations Officer.
“If you do not give her the support and stand strong with her we will not make it, but if you stand with her, because they are going to come after her, because if they know one thing is to condemn people and attack people personally, they don’t know another way,” said Dr Mitchell, chairman of the party.
In the lead-up to the convention, Pierre was one of two people vying to become the new leader. The other was Peter David who withdrew from the race on 14 December 14. He claimed that the process was rigged against him and democratic principles were not upheld for the party’s national executive election.
“Regrettably the direction of the New National Party is no longer an environment where democratic principles or mutual respect are upheld. It is no longer an environment in which I care to dedicate the rest of my days in politics or in life, it is no longer an environment in which I am proud to be a part,” David said as he announced his withdrawal from the race.
David resigned from the NNP on 20 January and has not made a formal announcement, however, many believe that he will be forming his own political party.
I must add that this party has preyed upon the less intellectuals of the country for years, all to advance its political ideology. they offer crumbs to the people whiles they walk away with the loaves; the leader of the party and his associates speaks of a democratic process but, still ignore the very fabric of democracy in selecting a new leader. My fellow Grenadians its time you wake up and realize that Grenada deserves better, our citizens deservers a better tomorrow. Please do not allow these individuals the dignity, when they speak of defending your leader, it’s all politically motivated, it’s time to remove you rose color glasses and look at the truth.
the NNP are calling for support and protection for their candidate yet for decades they have only supported and protected themselves. the irony