Thomas rings election bell in Grenada

Prime Minister Tillman Thomas Sunday named February 19 as the date for a general election in Grenada, urging supporters of his ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to return his party to power for another five year term.

Thomas, who led the NDC to an 11-4 victory in the 2008 general election, did not name the date for nomination of candidates.
“The time is right to seek a new mandate from the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. With God’s grace and guidance, we shall be victorious,” Prime Minister Thomas told supporters gathered at the Sauteurs Bus Terminal in St Patrick.

Last week, Prime Minister Thomas told the nation that he had asked Governor General Sir Carlyle Glean to dissolve the parliament paving the way for the polls.

The NDC is expected to face a strong challenge from the main opposition New National Party (NNP) led by former prime minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, who told supporters at a rally here on Sunday night that “February 19 is freedom day”.

Mitchell, whose NNP led the island for 13 years before it was ousted by the NDC in 2008, told supporters that the 15 candidates would be presented at a rally next Sunday in St. Patrick’s.

“The campaign begins in earnest from tomorrow morning,” he said promising supporters that an NNP government will from February 20 deliver “better government for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

“We will deliver my friend, we will deliver, we will deliver a safer and better Grenada,” he added.

There are approximately 55,000 registered voters on the list and Prime Minister Thomas had said he had delayed announcing the date for the polls in order to allow people who are eligible to vote to ensure that they are registered.