By Rawle Titus

Grenada’s political landscape has long been shaped by the formidable presence of Keith Mitchell, whose contributions to the nation are undeniable.

From rural electrification to the construction of vital infrastructure, his leadership has been instrumental in pulling Grenada through significant economic challenges.

As Prime Minister, Mitchell was a towering figure who guided the country through prosperity and hardship, leaving an indelible mark on Grenadian history. However, as his political career faces its twilight, Mitchell’s approach to intra-party leadership succession is not just disappointing – it’s toxic and dangerous.

In recent months, Keith Mitchell has turned the internal politics of his New National Party (N.N.P.) into a divisive battlefield, launching an ugly and unethical campaign to discredit his assistant general secretary, Peter David, who has signaled his intention to contest the leadership.

This toxic approach not only undermines democracy within the party but also threatens the party’s unity and future electoral success. Mitchell’s actions reflect a ruthless desire to cling to power, even at the cost of dismantling the political fabric he helped build.

Mitchell implies that David is attempting to “hijack” the N.N.P. and is insinuating impropriety in David’s leadership bid. They are part of a deliberate strategy to stifle genuine democracy within the party, using fear and manipulation to retain his grip on leadership.

The irony, of course, is that Mitchell’s rise to power decades ago was marked by a stealthy, underhanded political maneuvering he now fears might be happening. In the 1980s, Mitchell usurped leadership from former Prime Minister Herbert Blaize, breaking a promise not to challenge Blaize at the N.N.P. convention.

It is markedly different in this case. Peter David wrote to the party’s executive twice indicating his intention to seek the leadership in the context that Dr Mitchell said he was retiring – a promise he appears ready to break.

David has been open and respectful in signaling his intent to contest, and his leadership credentials are strong. David was instrumental in the N.N.P.’s 2018 election victory, mobilizing the party’s base and leveraging his impressive fundraising abilities.

Despite this, Mitchell has chosen to engage in a public campaign of vilification against him—an unnecessary and damaging power struggle that is fracturing the party’s unity. Mitchell is “burning the church to roast a corn,” creating discord within his ranks in a desperate bid to remain relevant.

This is not Mitchell’s first time allowing his politics to descend into ruthlessness. His leadership has often been characterized by a cutthroat approach, marginalizing opponents and consolidating power through divisive tactics. However, what was once a winning strategy is now a liability.

The N.N.P.’s defeat in the 2022 general election reflects Mitchell’s diminishing political stock. Many within his party recognize this, with some candidates even avoiding his presence at their campaign events, fearing his association would damage their electoral chances. Mitchell’s refusal to take responsibility for the N.N.P.’s recent loss is further evidence of his unwillingness to confront his political mortality.

The disarray within the N.N.P. can be directly attributed to Mitchell’s refusal to provide clear and consistent leadership. He has wavered on his intentions to step down for years, creating confusion and uncertainty among the party’s rank and file. This indecisiveness has left the N.N.P. divided, with factions unsure where their loyalty should lie.

Mitchell’s failure to facilitate a smooth and democratic transition of power weakens the party internally and damages its public image at a critical juncture.

The N.N.P. has capable leaders waiting in the wings. Peter David and Emmalin Pierre have demonstrated their ability to guide the party into the future. Some political observers believe David’s leadership would be the National Democratic Congress (N.D.C.) worst nightmare, given his proven capacity to mobilize voters and raise funds. Yet, Mitchell continues undermining their potential, holding the party hostage to his insecurities and personal vendettas.

Grenada now needs a forward-looking political movement that prioritizes unity, transparency, and democracy over self-serving power plays. Mitchell’s refusal to embrace these principles is eroding his once-strong legacy. By delaying the N.N.P. convention and mounting attacks on David, Mitchell engages in the divisive and authoritarian politics he once decried.

It is time for the N.N.P. to move forward and for Mitchell to step aside gracefully.

The future of the N.N.P.—and indeed, the future of Grenadian politics—depends on a democratic and transparent transition of power within the party. Mitchell no longer has the moral authority to pick the next leader single-handedly or to wage a public campaign based on false premises. His approach is both hypocritical and dangerous, sowing seeds of division that could have long-lasting consequences for the N.N.P. and Grenada’s democratic future.

Keith Mitchell must now confront a brutal truth: his time has passed.

If he genuinely cares about the future of his party and the country he once led, he will stop his toxic and divisive politics, step aside, and allow the N.N.P. to choose its next leader through a fair and democratic process.

Anything less would be a betrayal of the values that Grenadians hold dear.

Rawle Titus- M.A., M.H.A., P.G.D. – is a veteran Grenadian Journalist working as a Public Affairs Director in New York.