Former SVG PM calls on Grenada’s PM to dissolve Parliament

By Linda Straker

Former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Sir James Mitchell, believes that the best Christmas gift the ruling Tillman Thomas administration can give to Grenadians is to dissolve the island’s Parliament and name a day for general elections.

Addressing a meeting of the opposition New National Party (NNP) on Sunday in the north of the island, Sir James, who was the guest speaker, told supporters that Prime Minister Tillman Thomas is administrating the island with a minority government and he “should go and see the Governor General and leave with dignity”.

“Give Grenadians a Christmas present; dissolve the Parliament for God’s sake and give Grenadians a Christmas present,” said Sir James, who feels that the failure by the Thomas administration to re-open parliament almost five months since it was prorogued is not just putting Grenada’s reputation at stake but the region’s.

“It’s the reputation of the Caribbean and Grenada at stake, come on Tillman be a gentleman and do the right thing,” he said, while telling the supporters that every day that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) continues to hold on to power is a day wasted in the life of the people.

Sir James, who said he is a lifelong friend of leader of the NNP, Dr. Keith Mitchell, said that he came to Grenada at the request of Dr. Mitchell and was only doing so because the island’s parliament was not yet dissolved.

In endorsing his support for the NNP, Sir James said that after holding a session with the members of the NNP on Saturday, he is convinced that they have a plan for taking Grenada forward. “I had
a session with them and then I had the opportunity to listen to them, and I can tell you they have a plan for you,” he said.

Grenada’s Parliament last met in July, but was prorogued in September and no date has been announced for its re-opening. According to the constitution, the Parliament must have at least one sitting during a six-month period, failure to which the Head of State can dissolve the Parliament and order fresh election.