Local News

Potential for more division in ruling Grenada party

St. George’s, May 18, 2012 – An announcement Thursday by Tillman Thomas, Grenada’s Prime Minister and leader of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), could potentially create further rift in an already divided party.

“As an act of appreciation for the fervent prayers and expressions of support for the government especially in the past two weeks, I – in my capacity as Prime Minister – will be holding a national thanksgiving rally at the Grenville Car Park on Sunday, 20 May,’’ Thomas said in a national radio and television address Thursday night.

Several top NDC officials, who were contacted Friday, said they were unaware of the planned rally, and were only notified of it at a Thursday evening party executive meeting in St. George’s.

“The rally was not organized by, or through, the NDC,’’ said general secretary Peter David.  “As the Prime Minister himself said, he is holding the event in his capacity as leader of government.’’

An online article on Caribupdate News, said Thomas told the meeting of the NDC executive that Sunday’s rally “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.’’

In a separate article on Caribupdate New, chief commentator Hamlet Mark called for the resignation of Thomas as prime minister.

Mark, a well-known Grenadian journalist and public relations specialist based in Miami, said Grenada is faced with “failed leadership’’ under a prime minister who has “squandered the many opportunities he had to be a father figure to his cabinet,’’ but instead “chose and sponsored conflict when he should have been playing the role of healer.’’

The NDC, after 13 years in opposition, defeated the New National Party 11 – 4 in general elections in 2008. The next national poll could be held anytime between now and late 2013.

Since the 2008 election victory, one minister has been fired by Thomas and three have resigned from his cabinet. All four now sit as backbenchers in the House of Representatives.

Mark, who worked with the NDC during its successful general election campaign in 2008, has suggested that Thomas follow the example of Jamaica’s Bruce Golding, who resigned as Jamaica Labour Party leader and prime minister ahead of general elections.

“While the move did not guarantee the Jamaica Labour Party victory, it at least saved it from complete annihilation, and gave it a chance to bounce back in five years,’’ Mark said.

“A similar move by Thomas also won’t guarantee NDC victory in the next general election, but will give it a chance to remain viable and credible,’’ he added. “To do that will be the essence of good governance. Anything less will be inherently reckless and selfish.’’

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