Hood endorses NNP for 2013 elections

By Linda Straker

A former minister of the Tillman Thomas administration who resigned as a result of internal conflict within the party and cabinet has endorsed the New National Party (NNP), describing it as the organisation which has the ability to govern the country.

Karl Hood, who was also expelled from the party during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Annual General Meeting in September 2012, was the surprise speaker at the NNP rally on Sunday.

“I am here not because I resigned but because in all conscience, I do not see the NDC have the ability to govern this country,” Hood told thousands of NNP supporters, who packed the former Pearls Airstrip to attend the penultimate rally as Grenadians prepare to go to the polls on February 19, 2013.

“For love of country, I am fully prepared to endorse the NNP to rule this country,” said Hood, in a 15-minute address to the jubilant crowd, who appeared to be shocked that Hood was speaking from the platform.

Hood, who represented the constituency of St. George South East following the 2008 election, said that he must apologise to the people for encouraging them to make the decision they made in 2008, but at that time he saw Tillman Thomas as the best man to lead the country.

“I stand here tonight and I make my apology.

I am sorry to have said such... This election is about leadership,” he said.

As Hood spoke, the master of ceremonies at the NDC rally, which took place on the western side of the island, informed the crowd that Hood was addressing the NNP meeting. Evidence of his address was presented to the crowd via a screen, which suddenly saw the NDC crowd going silent and all eyes focused on the screen.

Grenadians will be going to the polls to elect a new government on February 19, 2013. According to the Parliamentary Elections Office, 45 persons are nominated to contest for positions in the 15-seat Lower House of Parliament.