Grenada’s main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Friday named its deputy leader, Adrian Thomas, as its interim leader, following the sudden resignation of the political leader, Franka Bernardine, on Thursday night.
“It is part of the constitution of the National Democratic Congress that in the event the leader steps down or is unable to continue performing his or her duties then the deputy will just naturally take over,” executive member, Terrence Forrester, told a news conference.
Both Bernardine and Thomas had been elected to their respective posts at the November 3 convention this year.
“It is rather unfortunate that we have to go through this little crisis but many political organisations go through a crisis like that. NDC is no exception and we man enough to stand up to it and make sure we put structures in place to continue the good work of sister Franka,” Thomas told reporters.
“What she said in her statement yesterday is the gospel truth there is no need for me to go through that, we just have to look at it objectively and take it as she said. This medical issue is somebody personal matter and I really hope that the general public will take it as she presented it,” said Thomas a former public officer who terminated his working contract with the government to contest 2013 general election as a candidate for the then ruling NDC.
“Sometimes we don’t prepare for those things but situations do arise and really and truly we just have to rise to the occasion and do what we suppose to do, nature has a way of taking it course and that is exactly what happened,” said Thomas, a former deputy labour commissioner here.
Bernardine on Thursday night announced that she was resigning from the post for medical reasons. She provided no details but said that her action was based on the recommendations of her doctor.
“My doctors have indicated that the stress levels are too high, and I run the risk of shortening my life. The stress, having a very negative impact on my health and has created a number of factors that will disappear if the stress factor is reduced.
“So I have little choice, so for medical reasons, I must resign from both positions,” she said while informing supporters of the party that she will also resign as the caretaker for the South East St George’s constituency.
The NDC is not represented in the Grenada parliament after the ruling New National Party (NNP) of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell won all 15 seats in the 2018 general election.
CMC
