NNP political leader speaks about Peter David’s resignation

by Linda Straker

• David is second MP who has resigned from NNP; first was Delma Thomas
• David’s decision to resign based on party no longer standing for democratic principles and mutual respect
• Emmalin Pierre believes David’s resignation will negatively impact NDC

Emmalin Pierre, New National Party Political Leader, believes that Peter David’s resignation will not negatively impact the party, but will instead have some negative impact on the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“I believe from my own personal assessment and the feedback I have received thus far, I believe that the NDC will be more impacted negatively by this than the New National Party,” said Pierre during a news conference on Tuesday, 21 January 2025. When asked to explain or provide evidence of her belief, she answered, “You are asking me to give out a tactical strategy publicly.”

David’s resignation comes a little over a month after the NNP held its convention and elected a new executive. David was among 2 vying for the leadership, but he withdrew from the race hours before the 15 December 2024 convention, claiming the internal election process was rigged to benefit Pierre.

In a video message posted on his Facebook page and also uploaded on YouTube on Monday, hours after his resignation was announced, David said that his decision to resign from the NNP is based on his observation that the party no longer stands for democratic principles and mutual respect. “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,” he cited as reasons for his resignation.

The party acknowledged his resignation and departure in a statement: “We extend our gratitude to Hon David for his years of service to the NNP.” Quoting Pierre as wishing all the best in his endeavour, the statement said that the party remains steadfast in its mission to serve the constituency of the Town of St George and Grenada in general.

David who was a candidate for the NDC for the 2003 General Election became the Member of Parliament for the Town of St George after winning his seat in that election. He was then a member of the Opposition in the Lower House of Parliament. The party then went on to win the 2008 General Election with him winning the seat and being appointed to the ministerial portfolio of Foreign Affairs and Tourism. However, in 2012, he along with 11 other senior members of the executive were expelled from the NDC during the party’s convention.

He then joined the NNP in 2014 and several of his supporters followed him and joined the NNP. He became the party’s Assistant General Secretary. David resigned from the NNP on Monday, 20 January 2025, was the second Member of Parliament on the opposition side who resigned from the NNP after the June 2022 General Elections. The first was Delma Thomas, who crossed the floor to the Government side and is currently a member of the cabinet.