Grenada PM Dickon Mitchell calls for unity after swearing-in for second term

Grenada's Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has called for an end to divisive politics and personal attacks, urging citizens to embrace unity, accountability and collective nation-building as he begins his second term in office following a landslide election victory.

Mitchell made the appeal during his swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, November 8, at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium, where he formally took the oath of office after his National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats in the November 5 general election.

The ceremony was attended by several regional dignitaries, including St. Lucia's Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

Addressing the nation, Mitchell said Grenadians had delivered a clear message through the ballot box, choosing progress and national development over political division.

“Grenada has no intention of returning to the days of negative politics, of personal attacks, of division and divisiveness,” he declared.

The prime minister said his party's campaign message, “Me, You, Us. Ready for More,” had resonated with voters because it emphasized the importance of working together and placing national interests above political differences.

He described the NDC's overwhelming parliamentary victory as a triumph for the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, rather than a personal achievement or victory belonging solely to his political party.

Mitchell also reflected on the tone of the election campaign, acknowledging that he had sometimes been slow to respond to personal attacks directed at him.

He explained that political leaders have a responsibility to demonstrate maturity and restraint, particularly as their conduct influences the attitudes and behavior of younger generations.

The prime minister urged political representatives to focus their discussions on policies, ideas and solutions to national challenges rather than engaging in character attacks against their opponents.

He said Grenada's political future should be built on mutual respect, constructive dialogue and a shared commitment to improving the lives of citizens.

Mitchell also emphasized that national unity must be accompanied by honesty, integrity and accountability among those entrusted with public office.

He encouraged Grenadians to hold his administration accountable for its promises and performance, stressing that public officials must remain answerable to the people they serve.

“As the Prime Minister of Grenada, I pledge to always put the interests of the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique first,” he affirmed.

The prime minister further stressed that the responsibility for developing the country extends beyond elected officials and government institutions.

He called on citizens at home and throughout the diaspora to contribute their skills, resources and ideas to the country's continued progress.

“There is more than enough work for all of us to do. We should put our shoulders to the wheel to build these islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique,” Mitchell said.

He described national development as a continuous process that requires sustained effort across generations, noting that each administration has a responsibility to build on previous achievements while preparing the country for future challenges.

“Our development is a continuous race. We are running our leg of the relay to pass the baton to those coming after us,” he said.

Mitchell's swearing-in follows a decisive victory for the NDC, which expanded its parliamentary majority from nine seats in the 2022 general election to 14 seats in 2026.

The opposition New National Party (NNP) secured the remaining seat in the 15-member House of Representatives.

The result gives Mitchell's administration a strong parliamentary majority as it begins another term focused on economic development, infrastructure improvements, education, healthcare and expanding opportunities for young people.

Mitchell, an attorney by profession, first became prime minister in June 2022 after leading the NDC to victory over the NNP, which had been headed by longtime Grenadian leader Keith Mitchell.

His return to office also comes amid renewed expressions of support from regional and international partners, including the United States, which congratulated him on his reelection and pledged continued cooperation on energy development, trade, investment and regional security.

With his second term now underway, Mitchell said his administration would remain focused on delivering for the people while encouraging greater national participation in Grenada's development.

He reiterated that political differences should not prevent citizens from working together to build a stronger and more prosperous country.