For the third time in Grenada’s history, the New National Party (NNP), led by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, has completely swept the polls. In the general elections held in that country on Tuesday, the NNP secured all 15 parliamentary seats.
From the reaction of Grenadian-Americans in Central and South Florida, the results of the election is most welcomed.
“Even Mitchell’s opponents would agree that this man and his government has been doing progressive things for Grenada,” said Merlene Bishop of Kissimmee. “I left my country in the mid 60’s after the 1983 uprising and vowed never to go back But from the strides the NNP government has made over the past four ear I am ready to return.”
Linton Young of Port St Lucie comments were brief, but nonetheless pointed. “The Mitchell government didn’t break anything so why change it. Put them all back.”
In accepting victory, Mitchel called n the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to be part of the social partners that will chart the way forward for the tri-island state.
“It feels good,” the returning prime minister said after the preliminary results showed that the party had swept all the seats in Parliament. “The people of my country has shown the level of confidence in the way I have governed, it is a humbling experience.”
“Whatever achievement we have had I first have to give thanks to Almighty God and the people of this country,” Mitchell said, adding that the election was the “most stress free I have ever had in my 34 years in politics.
Mitchell said that unlike 2013 when he won the general election and had no idea as to the state of the local economy, this time around, “I don’t feel the pressure because I am in the seat and I know what the plans are.
“Therefore, I feel very confident I will meet the aspirations of the people of this country,” he said, noting however that “to whom a lot is given, a lot is expected.”
Mitchell easily won the St. George North West seat which he has been representing for more than three decades, defeating the NDC’s Alli Anthony Brian Dowden by a 2546 to 406 margin.
Mitchell sought to dispel the notion that the clean sweep would result in the government having a free hand in running the affairs of the country.
“You can’t ignore that 20,000 people voted against you…the task is to bring that element into the decision-making process,” he said, reiterating his call for the NDC to join the social partners in “dealing with the problems of the country.”
Leader of the NDC, Nazim Burke, who led the party into an election for the first time, failed to win his seat.
A national rally was scheduled to be held on Wednesday to celebrate the victory of the NNP.
, led by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, has completely swept the polls. In the general elections held in that country on Tuesday, the NNP secured all 15 parliamentary seats.){kind=link}