Grenada -Elections Tillman Thomas Sworn In As PM

 

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Attorney-at-law Tillman Thomas was sworn last Wednesday afternoon as the new Prime Minister of Grenada replacing Keith Mitchell.
Thomas, whose National Democratic Congress (NDC) defeated the Dr. Mitchell’s incumbent New National Party (NNP) in general election last week Tuesday, was sworn in by Governor General Sir Daniel Williams.

"Those of you who have been following my politics generally know that I have always been speaking about respect for institutions and, in particular, to honoUr the constitution," Thomas told hundreds of invited guests and supporters who packed the trade centre. "You can depend on me for ensuring that under my leadership the constitution of Grenada will be respected".

Thomas, who became leader of the NDC in 2000 after the party failed to win a single seat in the parliament, is expected to name his Cabinet ahead of a swearing in ceremony planned for last Sunday.

Nazim Burke, the NDC shadow Minister for Finance who retained his seat in St.George’s North East is expected to be named as Finance Minister but there is little indication at this time as to how other ministerial portfolios will be allocated.

"I see this as a golden opportunity for Grenada to begin a new approach to governance. We must emphasize the service aspect of governance," Thomas announced to lingering applause.

"In the past we have seen an abuse at times by the executive authority. We must see ourselves as servants and to really serve our people in an open and transparent way".

Thomas’s NDC won 11 of the 15 seats in the House of Representatives to end a 13-year hold on power by Dr. Mitchell’s New National Party which won the remaining four.

Thomas, who campaigned on a platform of good governance, accountability and transparency, is calling on Grenadians to act as watchdogs of democracy.

"I believe that God wants us to bring back the trusteeship aspect of governance that those of us who occupy office are trustees and the people are beneficiaries and we must treat them as such. For too long our people have been treated in a way as if we are doing them a favour," said Thomas, a graduate of the University of the West Indies and the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad.

"The time has come to change this approach to governance. Democracy is about people and you have to be the watchdogs; you have to monitor us and if you find we are going off track you must call upon us...you have to identify any irregularities".

 

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