ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC—Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Mitchell, under pressure to give up the leadership of the main opposition New National Party (NNP), has conceded that “one day, maybe sooner rather than later,” he will have to do so.
Mitchell, 75, who said it would have been his last campaign during the last general election, which the then-ruling NNP lost to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has nonetheless been holding on to the party’s leadership as supporters call for a convention where a new executive would be elected.
However, as he addressed a Women’s Forum on Sunday as part of the activities to commemorate the party’s 40th anniversary, Mitchell said that the political organization would soon undergo new leadership.
“I am interested in my welfare, I am interested in this party’s welfare, and I am interested in the country. Therefore, one day, maybe 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,” he told the forum.
“And as the Lord gives me the strength, I want to walk with that person, hold their hands, and strengthen the New National Party.
“I will be there, sisters and brothers, holding the hands of the future leaders of the NNP, so you don’t have to worry about me not being in Parliament or something like that. The people of Northwest St George’s have given me a lot of strength; they have stood tall with me for 40 years; I owe them a lot; I will never be able to forget them,” said Mitchell.
Following the June 2022 general elections, Dr Mitchell announced at the ceremony when he took the oath of office as Opposition Leader that he would not be vying for the party’s leadership at its next convention.
More than two years later, the NNP is yet to announce a convention date, but party officials have confirmed that there will be a general council meeting to set a date for the convention that will be held before December 31.
The election of a national executive will be among the main agenda items.
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