Grenada: The New National Party (NNP) has organised its 2021 General Council under the theme: “NNP converting challenges into the opportunities.”
This General Council is the first held since the initiation of the COVID-19 pandemic for the party and was staged with complete COVID-19 Protocols as enforced by the Ministry of Health over the last year.
No other observers were allowed at the 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 party’s internal structures and its organization, Youth Arm Chairman Senator the Honorable Judd Cadet, on the Youth Arm’s work. Simultaneously, Mrs Brenda Hood, Chairwoman of the Women’s Arm, reported a Treasurer’s Report presented by Mr Carlton Frederick.
The second session encountered several presentations by line Ministers addressing and giving insight into topical national disputes.
Senator, the Honourable -Winston Garraway, spoke on the work of NADMA in the face of the La Soufrière’s eruption. He was followed by Senator Noland Cox, who said on Infrastructural Development.
Minister of Education & Information Honourable Emmalin Pierre presented on Education the day before the reopening of schools and Public Relations, Minister of Foreign Affairs Honourable Oliver Joseph did a presentation of the Economic and in particular Industrial Relations as ahead of Governments negotiating group. Minister of Finance, the Honourable Gregory Bowen, closed off the Ministerial- thematic exhibitions with one on the economy and the oil & gas sector.
The delegate unanimously allowed two basic resolutions. The first addressed the dispute of the pandemic and states: “NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this New National Party(NNP) 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 coronavirus pandemic and URGES Government to continue its call for all residents of Grenada, Carriacou and -Petite Martinique to continue to follow the rules and regulations established to protect against the spread of the coronavirus and the continued promotion of its national vaccination programme.”
And the second on the Grenadian’s Economy which states: “NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this New National Party, NNP 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 financial management -policy of constraining recurrent expenditure and maximizing the investment in capital schemes to grow the economy, protect and create more employment, 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. Keith C. Mitchell.
His address’s main focus was general attitudes toward the dangers of the COVID-19 Pandemic and encouraging ALL Grenadians to play their part, especially leaders, in promoting proper behaviour at this time. Prime Minister also addressed Grenada’s response to the St. Vincent situation as Grenada seeks to assist our brother and sisters in need.
The New National Party(NNP) will similarly stage its National Convention in the coming months on a date yet confirmed. Meanwhile, the party continues face-to-face social distanced meetings following strict COVID-19 guidelines and virtual meetings.
