Contrary to the expectation created by Prime Minister, Dr the Right Hon Keith Mitchell that this may be his last term in office, he recently stated that he will contest the next general elections unless this is prevented by a health challenge.
During a national address in the lead up to the 2013 general election, Dr Mitchell hinted that campaign would likely be his last as the transitioning process to new leadership had begun.
He spoke about finding creative ways to regenerate a viable spirit, to refresh leadership and to inspire young people sooner than later to take up their rightful places. “This is why I have already indicated that this upcoming election campaign will likely be the last one in which I participate. The process of transitioning to new leadership has therefore begun….”
However, during a special interview last Thursday (Jan 07), in responding to a question regarding his retirement from front line politics, Dr Mitchell said, “the decision has been made, I would have preferred not to have, I think there are rationales based on my own colleagues’ views and general perception and that this might be the right time after the next elections to hand over the reins to someone. It looks highly likely that I will certainly run unless of course I have some health issue or physical problem.”
The next general election is constitutionally due in 2023 by which time Dr Mitchell will be 76 years old.
Dr Mitchell, who is the Political Leader of the New National Party (NNP), has been in politics for over 30 years. He has been Prime Minister of Grenada since 2013; previously he served as Prime Minister from 1995 to 2008. During the period 2008 to 2013, he served as Leader of the Opposition.
Dr Mitchell, the longest-serving Prime Minister in Grenada, holding the office for almost 19 years, has
led his party to three clean sweep victories at the polls by winning all 15 Parliamentary seats.
Retirement delayed
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