“I am not just going to support anybody just because they want power, I will support persons who are interested in the development of this country. That is my responsibility and I will not shift.”
Those were the words of Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Mitchell in defending his continued leadership of the New National Party (NNP), emphasising his commitment to the country’s development.
Amidst growing calls for him to step down, Dr. Mitchell assured supporters at a party meeting convened in the northwestern parish of St. Mark on Saturday, that when the time comes for a leadership transition, it will be orderly, and the successor will prioritize the welfare of the people and the nation’s reputation.
“I wanna tell you this, the party has a leader. So, don’t worry about any noise in the street and say Doc going; I ain’t going nowhere…When the time comes, and I have to give up the leadership of the (NNP) I will tell you, and I will make sure that the person who inherits the new national party are people who will protect the poor people (and) the beautiful name of this country,” Dr. Mitchell declared.
The debate over NNP’s leadership intensified after the party’s 9-6 defeat to the National Democratic Congress of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell in the snap June 2022 election poll, prompting calls for a change in direction.
During his swearing-in ceremony as Opposition leader, Dr. Mitchell stated that he wouldn’t hold the position beyond the party’s next convention. However, an extended period without a party caucus or convention has fueled speculation and dissatisfaction among party members.
November marks 22 months since a constitutionally mandated organ of the party, except the Executive, has held any caucus, and is the longest period since the NNP has either held a convention or a general council. Dr. Mitchell, in a press conference last month, resisted calls for an immediate convention, citing the need for organisational readiness.
He emphasised that decisions about the party’s future should be made by its executive leadership, challenging the perception that a select few were influencing critical choices.
“It seems like some people’s concentration is convention, convention, convention…The convention is the final event especially when you are talking about changing the guards and that’s possible, so the organisation must be in place and the executive of the party, the leadership of the party makes those decisions.
“I get the impression that some people feel (it) is one of us or two of us in the party making a decision,” said the 76-year-old Mitchell, who served as prime minister from 1995 to 2008 and from 2013 to 2022.
Meanwhile, his Opposition MP Peter David, a figure gaining popularity among NNP supporters, has emerged as a prominent contender for the party’s leadership. However, internal divisions persist, particularly concerning Dr. Mitchell’s stance against David assuming the role.
Former party member Delma Thomas, now aligned with the ruling National Democratic Congress, highlighted this as a divisive issue within the NNP, when she resigned from the party earlier this year. A recent survey conducted by Writeups24 involving over 3000 participants revealed a substantial preference for Peter David.
Supporters cited his proven track record in policy implementation, commitment to transparent governance, and ability to foster unity within the party. MP David has confirmed his interest in the leadership role, citing the party’s constitution that allows any member in good standing to vie for leadership.
“The party’s constitution allows a member of the party in good standing to put themselves up for leadership. I am giving very active consideration to the issue of leadership of the party,’’ MP David told a radio programme earlier this year.