PR – The New National Party (NNP) has staged its 2021 General Council under the theme: “NNP converting challenges into opportunities.” This General Council is the first held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic for the party and was staged with full COVID-19 Protocols as enforced by the Ministry of Health over the last year. As such no observers were allowed at General Council 2021 and a virtual component allowed Carriacou and Petite Martinique delegates to join in from the sister isles.
Chairman of the party and Member of Parliament for St. Patrick West, Honourable Anthony Boatswain said of the activity: “General Council is taking place against a background of major challenges which no doubt will test the resolve of our party and government in the days and months ahead.” He made specific mention of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industrial climate and the 4% issue as well as the presently erupting La Soufrière on St. Vincent.
Presentations were made by General Secretary Senator the Honorable Roland Bhola on the state of the internal structures of the party and its organization, Youth Arm Chairman Senator the Honorable Judd Cadet on the work of the Youth Arm, while, Mrs. Brenda Hood, Chairwoman of the Women’s Arm gave a report along with a Treasurers Report delivered by Mr. Carlton Frederick.
The second session saw several presentations by line Ministers addressing and giving insight into topical national issues.
Senator the Honourable Winston Garraway spoke on the work of NADMA in the face of the La Soufrière eruption. He was followed by Senator the Honourable Noland Cox who spoke on Infrastructural Development.
Minister of Education and Information Honourable Emmalin Pierre presented on Education the day before the reopening of schools as well as on the issue of Public Relations, Minister of Foreign Affairs Honourable Oliver Joseph did a presentation of the Economy and in particular Industrial Relations as a head of Governments negotiating team. Minister of Finance the Honourable Gregory Bowen closed off the Ministerial thematic presentations with one on the state of the economy and the oil and gas sector.
The delegate unanimously approved two resolutions. The first addressed the issue of the pandemic and states: “NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this New National Party General Council taking place at the Grenada Trade Center, Morne Rouge, Grand Anse, St. George’s on this day, Sunday 11th April 2021 FULLY ENDORSES the Government’s continued management of the COVID-19 pandemic and URGES Government to continue its call for all citizens of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique to continue to follow the protocols established to protect against the spread of the virus, and the continued promotion of its national vaccination programme.”
And the second on the Grenadian Economy which states: “NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this New National Party General Council, taking place at the Grenada Trade Center, Morne Rouge, Grand Anse, St. George’s on this day, Sunday 11th April 2021 FULLY ENDORSES the Government’s continued fiscal management policy of constraining recurrent expenditure and maximizing investment in capital projects to grow the economy, protect and create more jobs, and giving continued support for the most vulnerable in these challenging times.”
Sunday’s General Council ended with a wide ranging presentation by Political Leader and Prime Minister Dr. the Right Honourable Keith C. Mitchell. The main focus of his address were general attitudes toward the dangers of the COVID-19 Pandemic and encouraging ALL Grenadians to play their individual part, especially leaders, in encouraging proper behaviour in this time. Prime Minister also spoke of Grenada’s response to the St. Vincent situation as Grenada seeks to assist our brother and sisters in need.
The New National Party will similarly stage its National Convention in the coming months on a date yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile the party continues with face to face social distanced meetings following strict COVID-19 guidelines and virtual meetings.
