ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – 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” that he will have to do so.
Dr. Keith MitchellMitchell, 75, who had during the campaign for the last general election which the then ruling NNP lost to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), said it would have been his last campaign, has nonethess been holding on to the leadership of the party, as supporters call for a convention where a new executive would be elected.
But 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 organisation will be undergoing new leadership in the near future.
“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 leadership of this party but let me say this to you, I will not just be giving up leadership there will be in place someone or persons that cares for you and the people of this country,” he told the forum.
“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.
“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 at the ceremony when he took the oath of office for Opposition Leader announced that he will not be vying for the leadership of the party 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 the date for the convention that will be held before December 31.
Election of a national executive will be among the main agenda items.
