By Lincoln DePradine

Former Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell, who has had 38 unbroken years as a Grenadian parliamentarian, intends to continue fulfilling his role as MP, and he warns against any “push’’ or “rush’’ at a replacement leader in the New National Party (NNP).

“The new leadership of the NNP will be chosen at the next convention. But, no one would push the party to rush unnecessarily and create confusion,’’ Mitchell said Monday. “I will be there to offer my advice and support; but, I will not attempt to dictate or impose anyone on the leadership of the NNP.’’

Mitchell’s NNP lost 9-6 to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in general elections on June 23.

He met with reporters Monday at the Trade Centre in Morne Rouge, after being sworn in by Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade as Opposition Leader in the House of Representatives.

NDC leader Dickon Mitchell, in his capacity as prime minister, has just attended his first overseas meeting. He led a delegation to Suriname for the 43rd Heads of Government summit of the Caribbean Community.

He will preside over the first meeting of his cabinet of ministers on Monday, July 11. A news release from the Government Information Service said the meeting “will discuss briefings on matters of national security, finance and sectoral issues’’.

Dr Mitchell, who has been prime minister on five occasions for an accumulated period of 22 years, said he’s in the process of completing a memoir of his political life. He began writing it in the middle of last year.

The former prime minister says he accepts – with “honour and gratitude’’ – his new role as Opposition Leader, and plans on being a “mentor and a guide’’ in the Lower House of Parliament.

“I am personally satisfied that under our tenure, we have done a lot to promote the institution of democratic activity, despite disingenuous comments by some of the naysayers. For them now I say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating,’’ Mitchell remarked at Monday’s swearing-in ceremony.

His wide-ranging address was directed at constituents in his St George North-West constituency, NNP members and parliamentarians, as well as to the newly elected NDC government.

Dr Mitchell said the voices of him and the other five NNP MPs “will be heard’’, giving their backing to “programs, policies and laws that come before the chamber that will seek to defend and empower’’ the Grenadian people.

“We shall represent those whose voice might be drowned out in the noise of the political marketplace. We shall stand up against any attempt at marginalization of anyone,’’ he added.

“I will end my political career standing strong for the things that I believe in and that of the New National Party. We will fight to protect the poor and vulnerable. We will fight for all, but the poor and vulnerable deserve a special consideration of government.’’

Mitchell expressed gratitude to North-West St George residents, who have elected him as their MP since 1984.

“I will remain committed to representing the people of North-West St George’s, who have elected me for the last 38 years, with five more years to go,’’ he said. “You have stood by me in the darkest of hours, and I will forever be grateful and indebted to you. So, I want you to know, I ain’t going anywhere.’’

Mitchell, who has to appoint senators to the Upper House of Parliament, urged NNP members, now in opposition, to remain “united and strong’’.

“We all should see our priority as defending, supporting and strengthening our party,’’ he said.

“As the current political leader of the New National Party, I do not intend to hold this position beyond the party’s next convention. But, let me add, the process of the next convention should be orderly and timely. No one would push the party to do what he or she wants. Let it be very clear.’’

The NNP not yet has set a date for its next convention.