ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC—The main opposition New National Party (NNP) will hold its long-delayed convention on December 15 amid questions about whether the party will elect a new leader to replace former prime minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, who has long hinted at his departure from active politics.
But Mitchell, the longest-serving prime minister in Grenada, who lost the 2022 general election to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been sending mixed signals about whether he will step down.
Political observers say the situation could become clearer ahead of the convention when the 78-year-old Mitchell, who served as head of government from 1995 to 2008 and from 2013 to 2022, addresses a party public meeting on December 1 in his St. George’s North West constituency.
“The Executive of the New National Party, on the recommendation of our leader, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell has officially set the date for the party’s convention. The convention will take place on Sunday, December 15th, 2024,” the NNP said in a press release.
When he was sworn in as Opposition Leader in 2022, Mitchell, who has been at the party’s helm since 1989, had said then that he would not contest the leadership position at the convention.
But at recent party meetings, Mitchell has told supporters that when he gives up the leadership of the NNP, someone or people will be in place who not only care about strengthening the party but also care about the development of the country, and he will be holding their hands during the process.
“I am interested in my welfare, I am interested in this party’s welfare, and I am interested in the country. Therefore, one day, sooner rather than later, I have to give up the leadership of this party. But let me say this to you: I will not just be giving up leadership; there will be someone or persons in place who care for you and the people of this country.
“And as the Lord gives me the strength, I want to be able to walk with that person, hold their hands, and strengthen the New National Party,” Mitchell told a Women’s Forum as part of the activities to commemorate the party’s 40th anniversary.
The election of a national executive will be among the convention’s main agenda items. Emmalin Pierre, the NNP’s public relations officer, and former foreign affairs minister Peter David, the party’s assistant general secretary, are among those expected to contest the party’s leadership.
Mitchell has said he is pleased with Pierre’s political growth, saying he feels like a good parent who has watched his children grow up.
“So, it looks like I could retire now,” he said.
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