by Nisha Paul
- Peter David confirmed as DPM Political Leader
- Arley Gill named DPM Deputy Political Leader
- Gill to contest St John constituency, while David will run in Town of St George
Veteran political figure Arley Gill is back in the race, stepping into a senior leadership role as the Democratic People’s Movement (DPM) elected a new executive and positions itself for the next general election. Gill was named Deputy Political Leader during the party’s inaugural congress on Sunday, marking his most direct return to frontline politics in recent years.
The event, held at the Grenada Trade Centre, also saw Independent Member of Parliament Peter David confirmed as Political Leader by a unanimous vote of delegates. The high-energy congress brought together hundreds of supporters and party members from across the country, as the DPM formally established its leadership structure and selected candidates for the upcoming polls.
Gill, addressing delegates, said his decision to formally join the movement came after weeks of reflection. “Only a few short weeks ago, I had not decided to be a direct participant in this Movement… but there was something that kept telling me that there is more that I can do,” he said. “I have learnt that you don’t join a movement. You get swept by it. And you become the movement, and the movement becomes you, and so, together with you, we are off and running.”
His return adds political weight to a party still in its early stages, but rapidly building visibility.
Both Gill and David were expelled from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a political rupture that continues to ripple across the opposition. David later aligned with the New National Party (NNP) before resigning, laying the groundwork for what would become the DPM.
In his address, David framed the congress as more than an internal exercise, describing it as a signal of readiness. “We witnessed today… not just to vote for members who will be in the vanguard of this Movement, but as a signal of your readiness to be part of this march forward,” he told delegates.
The newly formed executive is expected to lead the party’s expansion, with a focus on community engagement, organisation and policy development ahead of elections.
The DPM also unveiled part of its candidate slate, including Andy Best for St Patrick West, Pamela Williams for St Andrew North East, Olvine Holas for St Andrew North West, Aaron Lewis for St Andrew South West, Charmaine Gibbs for St George South, and Christopher Cudjoe for Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Gill is set to contest the St John constituency, while David will run in the Town of St George.
The party’s emergence is already reshaping the political landscape, drawing attention as a potential alternative force and attracting support from both traditional party bases and younger voters. With experienced figures now anchoring its leadership, the DPM faces its next test, whether early momentum can be converted into lasting political support at the polls.
“I have learnt that you don’t join a movement, you get swept by it.” That is the source of all the problems of disunity and instability in Grenada over the years. I have left myself open to be swept off my feet, and I have not heard anything new from Movement. Same old talk, same nice talk that we are accustomed to. In the meantime, above and beyond all the old talk, the government of the day keeps DOING. Based on my experience they have done even more than the revolution had done in this short time. And, remember, the revolution ruled by decree. They passed laws, at will, without the burden of constitutional restraint. I am surprised that this present administration were able to do so much despite those restraints. Something to ponder on.
If the reparations loving Arley is involved with this party, you know it’s pure poison. Grenadians want to look to the future, not dwell on the past and waste time begging the west for handouts.
This man is a waste of time and effort. similar to some in the NDC. He should keep his focus on fighting for ‘free money’ i.e., reparations as he seems to embrace the notion of ‘doh work but get d money’.
I am not sure Arley is a waste of time, but I agree that he is very money-driven and money hungry. The “reparations” he is after is a joke because he will be first in line to get his cut.
With Gill on board this sinking ship, Peter needs all the life jackets he can find and just concentrate on saving his movement before saving Grenada.