Politics
Grenada: New party formed by expelled ruling NDC ahead of impending elections
Expelled members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) are forming a new political party ahead of general elections that political observers here say could be held as early as January 2013.
The polls are constitutionally due in mid 2013 and Jerome Joseph, a founding member of the ruling party has confirmed that plans are underway to form the new political organization.
‘We have had lots of discussions and are presently in the final stages of making the announcement with regards to name, colors and symbols,” Joseph said.
“Different people are responsible for different things, but I promise you that within the fortnight all information about our existence will be available,” he added.
Joseph, along with former tourism minister Peter David, former foreign minister Karl Hood, former environment minister Glynnis Roberts and prominent trade unionist Chester Humphrey were expelled from the NDC in September after Prime Minister Tillman Thomas accused them of working against the interest of the party that came to power in 2008.
Joseph said the leadership of the new political grouping will be decided at the party’s first convention to be held before year end.
“So presently, we are working, we the interim persons are working together recruiting members and establishing a supporting network not just in Grenada but in the Diaspora which is very important to us,” he said.
The former NDC chairman said he was disappointed at the internal bickering that has engulfed the NDC, adding “it is not a happy situation but we all must move on and if moving on means…the formation of a new political grouping, I got to do it. “There is no right or wrong time to set up a political organization but in moving forward (and) we will take everything into consideration,” he said.
Joseph said he was not certain about David’s involvement in the new party.
“I am not sure what I will be doing yet but one thing is certain I will be working with the people,” David said. -(CMC)