Former Grenadian Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has officially announced his retirement from active politics, ending a parliamentary career that spanned more than four decades.
Mitchell, 79, made the announcement on Thursday night, naming acting Clerk of Parliament Dr Adrian Joseph as his successor and caretaker for the St George North West constituency, which he has represented since 1984.
Addressing supporters in the constituency, Mitchell reflected on the trust placed in him by voters over the years, noting that he served as their parliamentary representative for more than 40 years and as prime minister for a combined 23 years.
“To the people of St George North West, you trusted me with the privilege of representing you in the Parliament of this country for over 40 years and 23 years of those you gave me the privilege to be prime minister Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique,” he said. “What more can any human being ask? How could I ever feel that I have been treated anything but special?”
Mitchell said the confidence shown by constituents formed the foundation of his public life and achievements. He recalled that during the last general election he had asked voters for “one for the road,” but acknowledged that it was now time to step aside.
“I have seen leadership in this country go on for so long to the point that they are not even able to physically walk,” he said. “And I said that will not happen to me. I was confident that I had to make the decision. I am making good on my promise.”
Mitchell is the founding leader of the New National Party (NNP) and the longest-serving prime minister in Grenada’s history. He led the party to successive clean sweeps of all 15 parliamentary seats in the 2013 and 2018 general elections. However, the NNP lost the June 23, 2022 general election to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) by a nine-to-six margin.
Dr Adrian Joseph, who was named as Mitchell’s successor for St George North West, is a seasoned diplomat and senior public administrator. NNP officials said his selection signals both continuity and renewal within the party, describing him as a bridge between the party’s established leadership and a new generation of public figures.
Mitchell’s departure marks the end of an era in Grenadian politics, closing a chapter defined by long-standing electoral dominance, political resilience and a central role in shaping the country’s modern political landscape.
