ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC—Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness believes that his former prime ministerial colleague, Dr. Keith Mitchell, wants to leave a strong foundation on which others can build as he gets ready to hand over the leadership of the main opposition New National Party (NNP).
Holness, addressing a rally marking the NNP’s 40th anniversary on Sunday, said Mitchell had informed him that he must ensure that the core principles and ideals on which the NNP was formed continue to be its guiding principles for the future.
“I can tell you from speaking with your leader that this is not about him; this is not about his legacy. He wants to leave a strong foundation for the political party that he loves so much,” said Holness, who told NNP supporters that his ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has similar principles and ideals.
“When your party was being formed, the Right Honourable Edward Phillip George Seaga was a critical part of the support and formation of the party, and indeed, since then, the Jamaica Labour Party and the NNP have been very close,” he said.
The party has scheduled December 15 for its convention, the highlight of which will be the election of a new leader to replace Mitchell, who has also been the country’s longest-serving head of government.
Mitchell has led the party since 1989 and has told supporters over the past weeks that the party will soon have new leadership.
Holness told the Beausejour Playing Field rally that the time has come for the party to face the future and prepare for the next 40 years because its sojourn in the wilderness will be short.
“And so, your party leader, as he casts his eyes to the future and looks at what the NNP will be like in the next 40 years, wants to be sure that these core principles will be solidly maintained. That you, the fateful and loyal supporters of the party, will always see your values and principles reflected in the party that you have supported for the last 40 years,” said Holness.
“Your leader wants to ensure that the next generation of Grenadians will benefit from the very principles that have founded the party,” Holness said, adding that the political party is an asset for all and must be protected as such.
“All of you must work and continue to work even harder for your party,” he said, reminding supporters that the hard work they put in to keep the party together can only materialize into benefits when they hold the government.
“And to hold the government, you must always be prepared for when the people call on you. The political organization must never suffer because you are not in government or because you are involved in the process of transitioning. Always ensure that your political machinery is ready,” he added.
St. Lucia’s Opposition Leader, Allen Chastanet, also addressed the rally. Chastanet and Holness also attended the banquet marking the NNP’s 40th anniversary.
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