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This Day in Grenada History: 30 May 1650

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This Day in Grenada History: 30 May 1650

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admin Tue, 06/06/2023 - 17:00

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

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NOW Grenada

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This Day in Grenada History: 30 May 1650

On this day, 30 May 1650, over 40 Amerindians jumped to their deaths at Sauteurs, St Patrick, preferring death instead of surrender to the French.

The events that led to the “leap” off the hill at Sauteurs are shrouded in a tale of war, colonization, love, revenge, greed, deceit and genocide, and have been subjected to centuries of mythology. The story begins with the Island Carib Thomas, who having been rejected by Chief Duquesne’s daughter, killed her brother and ran away to Martinique. While in Martinique, Thomas informed Governor Du Parquet that he could “deliver” the Island Caribs of Grenada because he knew of their secret meeting place. On 30 May 1650 a force of 60 men, under the cover of darkness, surprised the Island Caribs in a cabet or “long house,” situated on a hill overlooking the sea, and began a bloody slaughter. As many as 40 Island Caribs may have plunged several hundred feet to their deaths. Rather than offer an inglorious surrender to the French, the Island Caribs committed an act that has left them a legacy remembered today as a symbol of resistance to European domination. The hill from which they leapt bore the French name Le Morne des Sauteurs: “Hill of Leapers/Jumpers,” and was later affixed to the town that developed around the small bay.

A number of writers seem to think that this bloody attack against the Island Caribs represented the annihilation of their population on Grenada, but they survived into the mid-1700s in much reduced circumstances. Symbolically, though, the Leapers’ Hill incident was the turning point in the Island Carib struggle against the French in the latter’s favor.

The site attracts visitors who are probably awed by this ultimate act of self-sacrifice, but the outcome nonetheless evokes sadness and anger. It has inspired poets, film makers, singers and artists who feel compelled to retell this tragic tale. For centuries the solitary hill represented a natural monument, but was superseded in 2007 by a marble plaque. It is rather ironic that the new monument, in attempting to honour the sacrifice of the Island Caribs, chose a Christian crucifix as part of its symbolism. For a people who fought against European cultural imperialism and died defending their culture, this monument is probably not the most fitting. But monuments are not always for the dead, but the living.

From A-Z of Grenada Heritage by John Angus Martin (Macmillan Caribbean, 2007)
Available online at Amazon.com, and at Art & Soul at Spiceland Mall, Grenada

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Comissiong cops Presidents’ Award St Martin Book Fair

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Comissiong cops Presidents’ Award St Martin Book Fair

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admin Mon, 06/20/2022 - 14:50

Friday, June 17, 2022

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Barbados Today

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Comissiong cops Presidents’ Award St Martin Book Fair

MARIGOT, St. Martin — His Excellency David Comissiong, Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, recently received The Presidents’ Award from the St. Martin Book Fair. The annual Award is the final highlight of the three-day St. Martin Literary Festival, said book fair coordinator Shujah Reiph.

“The Presidents’ Award is presented to individuals and institutions whose work is noted for its excellence and for combining literary, cultural, and liberation components in the service of progress, of their people or nation, and of humanity,” said Lasana M. Sekou, House of Nehesi Publishers’ consultant to the festival.

“This is an unexpected gift,” said Comissiong while accepting the ebony statute award before the 120 plus guests that filled the literary big tent.

The festival’s main book launch and closing ceremony — dedicated to noted Bajan novelist and political thinker George Lamming (8 June 1927 – 4 June 2022) — was held at the Port of Galis Bay, overlooking Marigot Harbour with the night lights of Anguilla in view across the channel.

The theme of book fair 2022, “The Rebirth” had already been elaborated on by Comissiong in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the festival in the garden of the Government administration building in Philipsburg.

Over the three book fest days, some 38 guest authors from Canada to Australia, the St. Martin public, and visitors to the island at book fair activities, had come to know David Comissiong as Barbados’ Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and to the Association of Caribbean States.

“Few knew that he was a former senator in the government of Barbados and that he was born in St. Vincent,” said Reiph. Comissiong is also a founder-member of the Caribbean Pan-African Network; the Clement Payne Movement of Barbados; the Caribbean Chapter of the International Network in Defence of Humanity; and the Global Afrikan Congress.

Comissiong was an architect and the first director of the Barbados Government’s Commission for Pan-African Affairs. He also represented the Caribbean region at the 7th Pan-African Congress in Uganda (1994).

Comissiong played a key role in the United Nations’ World Conference Against Racism in South Africa (2001) and has represented the Diaspora on the African Union’s Economic Social and Cultural Council.

Since 2012, the alumnus of The University of the West Indies (UWI) has served as a member of Barbados’ National Task Force on Reparations.

An attorney-at-Law since 1984, Comissiong is the author of The Wide Streets of Tomorrow: Essays and Speeches, It’s the Healing of the Nation: The Case for Reparations, The Pan-African Love Story of Arnold and Mignon Ford; and The Year 1953 and The Shaping of the Soul of Guyana (pamphlet, 2022).

Among past recipients of the St. Martin Book Fair Presidents Award are Edwidge Danticat (USA/Haiti), Computech (St. Martin), Benny Wenda (West Papua), Norman Girvan (Jamaica), Casa de las Americas (Cuba), George Lamming (Barbados), Quince Duncan (Costa Rica), Nicole Cage (Martinique), Kamau Brathwaite (Barbados), Will Johnson (Saba), Drisana Deborah Jack (St. Martin), and Derek Walcott (St. Lucia).

The Presidents’ Award is named after the presidents of Conscious Lyrics Foundation (CLF), House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP), and the University of St. Martin (USM), said Reiph. (PR)

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IDA hosts trade missions from French Islands to increase foreign direct investment in Dominica

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IDA hosts trade missions from French Islands to increase foreign direct investment in Dominica

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 02:30

Thursday, June 16, 2022

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Local – Dominica Vibes News

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IDA hosts trade missions from French Islands to increase foreign direct investm…

IDA Executive Director, Rhoda Joseph

The Invest Dominica Authority is currently hosting an inward investment mission which started on June 12 and will continue until June 17th. Executive Director of the IDA Rhoda Joseph stated that these missions from the French West Indies, are a part of the authority’s strategy to increase foreign direct investments and to seek partnerships with foreign investors in key areas of sectoral interests.

She continued by stating that they have been working with the Chambers of Commerce in Guadeloupe and Martinique in identifying and targeting investors in the French Territories interested in investing in Dominica either through greenfield projects, joint ventures, or partnerships. The missions comprise 40 businesspersons representing 12 companies in Guadeloupe and 10 companies in Martinique.

Joseph mentioned that these businesspersons have expressed interest in considering Dominica as an investment destination and will be engaged in a series of activities during their visit including business matching meetings, site visits to businesses of interest and investment areas, and site visits to Dominica’s natural sites.

During the Welcome Reception, the IDA Executive Director thanked various Dominica associations for helping with this mission.

“Investment is a process and we need all stakeholders, to this end, we want to thank the Dominica Manufacturer’s Association, the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association, the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce; and we can see, based on the display of a number of our products from the various private sectors on the island. The private sector is very key and is the nexus that links IDA towards even meeting with the French investors because we are seeking to see how we can find partnerships, how we can match persons in Dominica to persons who are interested in terms of our products and services in the French islands.”

The IDA placed a strong focus on attracting investments in manufacturing and agro-processing, organic agriculture, creativity, knowledge, and the digital sector as potential investment opportunities. Investments in eco-tourism accommodations and ancillary services will also be featured in the mission. Investment Dominica Authority is also keen to listen to opportunities for possible new investment ventures that will be of mutual benefit to Dominica and the French West Indies.

As the economy continues its steady path of recovery, the IDA is supporting the government’s vision of making Dominica the first climate-resilient country in the world and will continue to seek new opportunities and target sustainable investments that would redound to improving the lives and livelihood of Dominica’s citizens. Joseph hopes that the delegates enjoy this week and the various meetings and activities.

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Timely contribution to Princess Royal hospital

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Timely contribution to Princess Royal hospital

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 01:00

Thursday, May 19, 2022

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Community | NOW Grenada

Original Article

Timely contribution to Princess Royal hospital

A “timely contribution” to Princess Royal, the lone hospital on the island of Carriacou, is how health officials described a contribution of supplies from the New York-based Kayak Roots and Culture Organisation.

The donation, consisting mainly of sanitary items, is particularly useful in combatting the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the State of Grenada. It was handed over to the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs by Bensford Roberts, the group’s representative in Carriacou.

The Kayak Roots and Culture Organisation was formed in the aftermath of the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in 2020. Although still young, the organisation was able to make the contribution because of donations from its members, Roberts said.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Dr Vernesta Noel-Smart, thanked the group for their contribution, saying it helps in a positive way in fighting the Covid-19 virus on the island.

Among those also present at the handing over ceremony were the Administrator of the Princess Royal Hospital, Marissa Alexis McLawerence, and the hospital’s Matron, Therese Hamlet.

Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs

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Vacancy: Supervisor, Carriacou & Petite Martinique Operations

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Vacancy: Supervisor, Carriacou & Petite Martinique Operations

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Wednesday, June 8, 2022

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Community | NOW Grenada

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Vacancy: Supervisor, Carriacou & Petite Martinique Operations

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the position of Supervisor – Carriacou & Petite Martinique Operations, at the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA).

Position Summary

Reporting to the Production & Quality Manager, the Supervisor – Carriacou & Petite Martinique Operations will ensure the effective implementation of NAWASA’s policies, strategies, procedures and operations within Carriacou & Petite Martinique, and maintain established standards to improve the supply of water to customers. The Supervisor is also responsible for the supervision of the following:

Plant and Network maintenance and Finance activities;
Identification and preparation of micro-projects.

Minimum Professional Qualification

This position should meet the following criteria:

BSC in Industrial, Mechanical or Civil Engineering
A minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in facilities or operations management
Experience in accounting/ business management would be an asset

Personal Skills/Competencies

Good interpersonal and leadership skills
Effective verbal and written communication
Familiar with the use of MS Office Software
Familiar with MEP drawings/ Schematics
Understanding of water system hydraulics
Valid Driver’s Licence
Ability to work towards achieving deadlines
Effective organisational skills

Remuneration

Remuneration will be based upon qualification and experience.

The application should include Curriculum Vitae and 2 recent testimonials in a sealed envelope and addressed to:

The General Manager
VACANCY FOR SUPERVISOR – CARRIACOU
National Water & Sewerage Authority
P O Box 392, Lucas Street, St George’s, Grenada

Email address: [email protected]

The deadline for receipt of application is 22 June 2022. Applications received after the closing date will NOT be considered.

NAWASA… Committed to meeting customers’ needs

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Vacancy: Customer Services Representative, Carriacou

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Vacancy: Customer Services Representative, Carriacou

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 00:50

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

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Community | NOW Grenada

Original Article

Vacancy: Customer Services Representative, Carriacou

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the position of Customer Services Representative, at the National Water & Sewerage Authority, Carriacou.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Carriacou and Petite Martinique Supervisor, the Customer Services Representative provides service and support to customers and the general public by attending to queries and complaints. The Customer Service Representative is also responsible for collecting and updating payments made to the Authority and effecting disconnections and reconnection services.

Duties of the Customer Services Representative include but not limited to the following:

Processing Applications and changes on account forms (Water, Sewer Services, Reconnection on a Deceased Account, Transfer of Ownership, Disconnection by Request etc.)
Collecting monies (cash or cheque) from customers
Balancing Cash Receipts and preparing bank deposits
Reconciling Cash Float
Preparing invoices for (hydrant, sale to ship and sundry etc.)
Performing activities related to collections, disconnection and reconnection and recording and monitoring of customers’ usage

Minimum Professional Qualification

This position should meet the following criteria:

Certificate in CAT/ Business Studies from an accredited training institution
5 O-Levels including English, Mathematics/Principles of Accounts (POA) and business-related subjects

Personal Skills/Competencies

Good interpersonal and leadership skills
Effective verbal and written communication
Familiar with the use of MS Office Software

Application should include Curriculum Vitae and 2 recent testimonials in a sealed envelope and addressed to:

The General Manager
VACANCY FOR CUSTOMER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE – CARRIACOU
National Water & Sewerage Authority
PO Box 392, Lucas Street, St George’s, Grenada

Email address: [email protected]

The deadline for receipt of application is 22 June 2022. Applications received after the closing date will NOT be considered.

NAWASA…. Committed to meeting customers’ needs

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Grenadian volunteer recognised with Commonwealth Points of Light award

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Grenadian volunteer recognised with Commonwealth Points of Light award

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 00:40

Monday, June 13, 2022

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Community | NOW Grenada

Original Article

Grenadian volunteer recognised with Commonwealth Points of Light award

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as Head of the Commonwealth, has today, 10 June, recognised Kerlin Charles, representing Grenada, as the 227th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her exceptional voluntary service supporting people in Grenada living with HIV/AIDS.

Charles is a sexual health expert who created ‘GrenAIDS’ in 2010 to support people living with HIV/AIDS, including implementing education programmes for schools, hosting community awareness activities, and setting up a dedicated food bank for people with HIV/AIDS. Charles has also spearheaded a ‘Love Without Fear’ campaign with national organisation ‘GrenCHAP’ which she merged with ‘GrenAIDS’ in 2020, to improve education of sexually transmitted infections, particularly amongst the LGBTQ+ community. She has further developed training videos for healthcare workers, police officers and counsellors on how to better support LGBTQ+ people.

As part of the legacy of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London 2018, Her Majesty The Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 54 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond, by recognising one volunteer, or pair of volunteers, from each Commonwealth country every week. By sharing these stories of service, the Commonwealth Points of Light awards celebrate acts of charity across the Commonwealth and help inspire others to make their own contribution to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.

Charles said: “I am honoured and humbled to accept this award. This award is for the civil society organisations, such as GrenCHAP and GrenAIDS, the community members, and my friends, who gave me the opportunity and the space to make a valid contribution to the cause. I owe my growth, skills, and experiences to civil society organisations, my friends and families, who are my cheerleaders and my motivators. Thank you to those who recognised, supported, and nominated me for this award. The work has just begun; we have a tremendous opportunity to create and demand change for those who are marginalised. Let us collaborate and support each other in the fight for equality, respect, and justice. Heartfelt thank you to the Commonwealth Points of Light for this recognition.”

Wendy Freeman, Resident British Commissioner to Grenada, said: “I would like to congratulate my friend Kerlin on this well-deserved award. As a trailblazer, she continues to support marginalised groups in Grenada often with very limited resources. The British High Commission in St George’s remains committed to supporting her and her organisation in their excellent work throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.”

The Commonwealth is a diverse community of 54 nations and 2.4 billion citizens that work together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace. The Heads of Government meeting brought together leaders from all the 54 Member countries to reaffirm common values, address shared global challenges and agree how to work to create a better future for all citizens, especially young people. Voluntary service is a vital part of this agenda, which is why Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to recognise outstanding volunteers across the Commonwealth in this special way.

British High Commission, Grenada

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Our Boys and Men

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Our Boys and Men

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Thursday, May 19, 2022

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Lifestyle | NOW Grenada

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Our Boys and Men

by Tricia Simon

Slavery in Grenada has left several odd realities which we still live with today. Thus, the need to bend the tree while it is young.

This includes the fact that Grenada can be coined as a patriarchal society, yet it is the mothers, especially single mothers who are the ones left to raise our boys into men. Recently, I had an interesting discussion with a gentleman who was clearly pained by the high rates of sexual violence against minors in Grenada. Studies would show that the majority of those acts are carried out against girls and women by men and boys.

The question is how do we stop this increasing spate of female violence? Over the past few years, we see commendable programmes such as the UN Spotlight Initiative with a key mandate to protect women and children. And they do need to be protected. But is this method a reactionary method, meaning that we decide to heal after the crime occurs and the victim is scarred? Should we also look at an approach to prevent our men and boys from committing such crimes which should (a) lessen the number of victims (b) lessen the criminalisation of our black men and boys and (c) result in a more safe, cohesive and productive society?

Imagine the type of society we would have in Grenada if from the age of 4 a boy is taught to respect his elders and females. We would be raising a generation of conscious and respectful individuals to “do no harm”. The results would be tremendous as we can expect a decrease in sexually related crimes against our girls and women.

Lest we forget our adult men who too have their issues and may view a young child as a sexual object or a woman as a less valuable being, thus to be abused and treated as they see fit. Community programmes can be geared towards teaching and providing our men and boys with assistance to address their challenges.

Far too often when a heinous sexual crime occurs, Grenada shares it on social media for a few days, the activists come out, march and shout from the hilltops, then like church mouse they grow quiet. Yes, awareness is brought to the subject but we now need to follow up with concrete action. Centres need to be created in communities to address such programmes where individuals can feel a sense of belonging and safe enough to seek assistance.

Professionals under this programme need to provide assistance, especially to the needy and vulnerable. Grenada needs a comprehensive volunteer database in regards to social programmes. Counselling services are now remote, thus a Grenadian therapist in New York can take on one patient at a time (we doh asking for much, as we doh greedy) and work with this individual. They would fall under an umbrella programme managed by the Ministry of Social Services with collaboration from the Ministry of Education and the Office of Diaspora Affairs. Similar to the US Peace Corps who travel to different countries and offer various services to assist the locals. This programme has been a success for generations. Feel free to visit Grenada at any time to enjoy Grand Anse Beach but we know you would be working remotely since we know you have a busy practice in your respective place of residence.

This is giving back to Grenada, as a sociologist, therapist, psychologist and doctor ban together and offer your services to your respective community of origin. Programs can include counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol and substance abuse, gambling addiction, depression, child abuse, sexual abuse, mental health issues, parenting class and a host of other programmes. These are challenges faced by our youths and for a progressive, prosperous nation we need to provide them with the necessary tools to make progress for national development. The reality is that as professionals we cannot simply sit back and think that the ills in Grenada do not affect us, it affects all of us who are in some way related to Grenada.

There are many hardworking and earnest therapists in Grenada who are all to be commended, but the reality is that they are not able to address the volume of individuals who need assistance. Grenada lacks the funds as well as the number of trained skilled individuals to address the breath of social ills faced in the nation – no country has the capacity to address all its ills. America has its opioid and homelessness challenges despite having immense resources yet it still struggles with those issues, much less jukutu Grenada. Many hands make for light work – so to heal the nation let us work together as one.

Tricia Simon is an Attorney-at-Law called to the bar in the State of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique and the Province of Ontario, Canada.

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Nomination Day Report

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Nomination Day Report

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admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 23:30

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

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Politics | NOW Grenada

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Nomination Day Report

At the close of nomination today, 41 individuals were nominated as candidates for the General Election of 23 June 2022 in Grenada Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New National Party (NNP) nominated 15 candidates each
Grenada Renaissance Party (GRP) nominated 3 candidates
Independent Freedom Party nominated 3 candidates
Grenada United Labour Party (GULP) nominated 4 candidates
There was 1 independent candidate

Constituency Candidates Party Carriacou and Petite Martinique Kendra Beryl Maturine–Stewart
Tevin Camilloh Andrews NNP
NDC St Andrew South East Emmalin Celena Pierre
David Andrew NNP
NDC St Andrew South West Yolande Bain-Horsford
Lennox John Andrews NNP
NDC St Andrew North East Jennel Karla Ramsee
Kate Lewis–Peters
Tessa St Cyr IFP
NNP
NDC St Andrew North West Delma Thomas
Gloria Ann Thomas NNP
NDC St David Oliver Thomas Joseph
Dickon Amiss Thomas Mitchell
Junior Francis NNP
NDC
IFP Town of St George Claudette Joseph
Charles Peter David NDC
NNP St George North East Ron Livingston Redhead
Nimrod Oliver Ollivierre
Martin Washington Edwards NDC
NNP
GRP St George North West Keith Claudius Mitchell
Gayton Jonathan La Crette NNP
NDC St George South East Bassanio Nicholas
Gregory Clarence Bowen
Dennyka Checkley
Phillip Alfred Telesford IFP
NNP
GRP
NDC St George South Mendell Glenon Samuel
Norland Sebastian Cox
Andy Joseph Williams GRP
NNP
NDC St John Geoffrey Urias Lincoln Preudhomme
Alvin Martin DaBreo
Kerryne Zennelle Kenneale James GULP
NNP
NDC St Mark Clarice Modeste–Curwen
David Matthew Francis
Quinc Sydon Peter Britton NNP
GULP
NDC St Patrick East Pamela Dale Moses
Dennis Sylvester Matthew–Cornwall
Nigel Martin John NNP
NDC
GULP St Patrick West Joseph Andall
Winston Earl Frederick
Victor Dennis Selford Phillip
Augustine David NDC
Independent
NNP
GULP

GIS

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Grenada’s Election Cycles 1990–2022 Part 1

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Grenada’s Election Cycles 1990–2022 Part 1

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admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 23:00

Monday, June 13, 2022

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Politics | NOW Grenada

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Grenada’s Election Cycles 1990–2022 Part 1

by Keith Ventour

Some sections of our Nation have received the new NDC political leader and, by extension, the new NDC executive with profound exuberance, excitement and expectations.

To put the current resurgence in the NDC into proper historical context we need to go back to the 1990s. It is well known that for some time the NDC has been in a state of disarray and disorganisation.

In the 1990 election, the Nicholas Brathwaite-led NDC was able to secure 7 seats with GULP candidate Edzel Thomas crossing the floor to help form the first NDC government. The actual results were NDC 7 seats, GULP 4 seats, NNP 2 seats, and the Ben Jones TNP 2 seats.

The 1995 elections saw the emergence of Keith Mitchell’s leadership when the NNP won outright with 8 seats and formed the first NNP government with Dr Mitchell as Prime Minister. The results were NNP 8 seats, NDC 5 seats and GULP 2 seats. It was in this period that the NDC’s leadership problems began under the well loved and respected educator, George Ignatius Brizan who was later succeeded by Joan Purcell.

The next 4 years saw the demise of the NDC and the rise of a shrewd politician in Dr Keith Mitchell, and a dominant political party in the NNP. The election results from 1990 to 1999, show that NNP was able to move its votes from 6,916 in 1990 to 25,897 in 1999. This represents a massive 274% increase or 18,981 votes. On the contrary, NDC lost 3,241 votes, declining from 13,637 to 10,396 votes, a drop of 22%.

The 1999 elections resulted in the first 15-0 defeat of the NDC. The Joan Purcell-led NDC was decimated! They only contested 12 of the 15 seats and captured just 25.1% of the ballots cast to the NNP’s 62.5%. The party leadership was incapacitated and demoralised.

Following this period Grenada saw the first of 2 rebirths of the NDC. With the likes of Peter David, Nazim V Burke, George Prime, and the late Dr David Lambert, all products of the 1970s anti-Gary struggles, the NJM and the Grenada Revolution. A new life, new vigour, new energies and expectations were injected into this DORMANT group. The party now became a kaleidoscope of individuals of diverse ages, interests, and aspirations, coupled with similarly diverse political and intellectual backgrounds. In hindsight, I may say, the party was doomed to fail because, in practice, it became an ALLIANCE of several trends and factions united in one common purpose, the defeat of Dr Keith Mitchell.

What happened in the ensuing 4 years was an unprecedented comeback. This was due to the hard, gruelling work put in by those individuals in rebuilding the party structures and going on the ground in the villages to meet and discourse with the people. They brought to the NDC their strong organisational skills and experience from before and during the Grenada Revolution. They led the mass mobilisation of support for the NDC.

I must say, Tilman Thomas became the natural successor by default, to Joan Purcell. Despite some inherent weaknesses, he was able to command internal party support and respect. This made him into the spiritual centre of the party, in holding the new coalition forces together and at the same time having a national appeal. The result of the 2003 elections was a defining moment in the character of these two leaders and ultimately that of their political parties. Keith Mitchell’s NNP amassed 8 seats while Tilman Thomas’ NDC won 7 seats. It was the closest election in our history with the NNP crossing the tape by a mere 7 ballots in the constituency of Carriacou & Petite Martinique.

More significantly, this has been the ONLY occasion in our political history that the NNP LOST votes. 3,331 LESS ballots were cast for the NNP than in 1999. A 13% reduction in its mass base. On the other hand, NDC more than DOUBLED its votes, moving from 10,396 to 21,445!

Between 2003 and the 2008 elections, NDC consolidated and further enhanced its gains from the previous election amassing just over 29,000 votes. The “Wind of change” which began in 2003 swept through the country in 2008. The result was NDC increasing its vote by 35% and securing an impressive 11-4 seats landslide victory; the only time it had ever won an election outright, to form the government on its own.

Notwithstanding this decisive 2008 victory, there are a few observations to be highlighted.

It was the first time the NDC was able to secure more than one seat in the Parish of St Andrew, winning 3 seats
It was the first and only time ever that the NDC received more than 24,000 votes, actually 29,007
Many saw this as overwhelming support for the NDC but this was undoubtedly an anti-Keith Mitchell vote
Despite its loss, the NNP still gained 4,622 ballots (a 20% increase in its votes) to narrow the difference in the popular vote to 1,818, a small 3.2% margin. Actual votes received were 27,189
It is absolutely clear that without the active support and assistance of the Left, it was impossible for the NDC to rebuild and triumph between 2000 and 2008

Many characterised the winning of the 2008 elections as a mini 13 March 1979. Persons from all walks of life came out to celebrate the NDC victory.

However, with the victory at the polls, and the seat of power thus achieved, the aforementioned diverse interests and aspirations came alive. There began a jostling for control of power and policy among the Left and other forces within the NDC. The focus was lost; the vision and the mission disappeared. It was like déjà vu again.

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