Delegates attending Grenada’s main opposition New National Party (NNP) convention on Sunday elected Emmalin Pierre as the party’s first woman leader.
Pierre previously served as the party’s Public Relations Officer before her historic elevation, while Norland Cox was chosen as the new deputy leader.
The convention, held on December 15 at the St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School, marked a significant shift for the NNP, which had been led by Dr. Keith Mitchell since 1989. Mitchell, who took over leadership from the late Herbert Blaize—the party’s first leader—will now serve as the NNP’s Chairman. Gregory Bowen, the former deputy political leader, has transitioned to the role of Deputy Chairman.
The NNP’s leadership election was long overdue, having been delayed for approximately two years. However, the process was overshadowed by allegations of unfairness and lack of transparency, raised by former Assistant General Secretary Peter David. David, who had been one of two candidates vying for the leadership, announced his withdrawal late Saturday, citing concerns over the integrity of the process.
“They have built a barricade for the way forward. Their divisive machinations have left me with little option but to withdraw myself from tomorrow’s proceedings, as a delegate or even an observer,” David said in a statement broadcast via his Facebook page.
In a passionate address, David signaled that his withdrawal was not the end of his political journey. “Democracy’s time has come. Decency’s time has come. Honesty’s time has come. I say to you — Tonight is not the end of anything. It is the beginning of everything,” he said, thanking supporters who had encouraged him throughout his campaign.
The NNP, which was formed in the early 1980s by a coalition of small political parties, has played a central role in Grenada’s post-revolution political landscape. The party notably contested and won the island’s first election following the collapse of the People’s Revolutionary Government in October 1983.
