By CARIBUPDATE NEWS SERVICE

ST GEORGE’S, GRENADA: PRIME MINISTER TILLMAN THOMAS has told an executive meeting of his ruling National Democratic Congress that a public meeting he has announced for Sunday has nothing to do with the party.

Several sources tell CARIBUPDATE NEWS that Thomas told the party members they are free to attend if they chose – but the meeting is being held under the office of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Thomas first made the announcement of a so called Thanksgiving Rally during a national address on Thursday.

In that address he made no mention of his party – the National Democratic Congress.

Observers say that without the support of the majority of the party executive and the heads of most of the constituencies, Thomas has decided to work outside of the structures of the NDC, with Information Minister Glen Noel being the main organizer.

Noel was out of office Friday, reportedly in the rural areas seeking to mobilize for the event.

According to our reliable sources, the party’s executive sought to convince the Prime Minister on Thursday night that he should turn to internal fence mending before any public meetings, but insisted he did not need the party’s blessings for the gathering.

The meeting got so heated, two junior executive members walked out, accusing the Prime Minister of dividing the party in support of his private agenda.

The Grenadian leader indicated that members of the NGO community will be among the speakers at Sunday’s meeting in rural St Andrews.

It was not immediately clear if any ruling National Democratic Congress executive members will speak, but it is widely expected that Deputy Leader Nazim Burke and Noel will likely be on the list.

Prime Minister Thomas is holding his meeting at the same time the main opposition New National Party is holding a rally in the west coast town of Gouyave.