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ST GEORGE’S, Grenada -- A former top official of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said that Grenadians can expect an “alternative” from which to choose when voting at the country’s next general election.

“Come the next elections, people will have an alternative,” MP Peter David said in a local television interview.

Peter David

David, twice elected parliamentary representative for the Town of St George, served more than ten years as general secretary of the NDC – one of two parties that have dominated politics in Grenada for almost three decades. The other is the current opposition New National Party.

David, who resigned as a government minister in April, also did not seek a position on the NDC’s executive at the party’s September 30 convention.

In a controversial move, a motion was passed at the convention expelling David and six others from the NDC.

David, who had earlier announced that he was running in upcoming general elections, reiterated the pledge on Wednesday.

“I have always committed myself to people; my entire political life has been about people,” he said. “And come next elections and come the following elections, we will be standing there to represent our people and we are going to provide for them an alternative that will certainly have people as its base.”

The expulsion decision of last Sunday, which also affected four former NDC government ministers, was a demonstration of a “lack of transparency, the lack of democracy and the lack of due process,” David said.

“I think it was a dark day for democracy not only in the NDC but in the political life of Grenada,” he charged.

“Here it is an organization has a constitution; the constitution gives a clear procedure for dealing with persons whom you believe violated the principles of the party. It says that the convention cannot bring disciplinary actions against people. It is there for you to read. So, we are going to take whatever action is necessary.”

Challenging the decision of Sunday is not about membership of the party, the former NDC general secretary explained.

“I’m not fighting to be a member of the NDC. I’m fighting for our constitutional rights,” David said. “And the question is, were they violated by the same government, the same people, who claim every day to stand for respect for institutions? That is the issue – not my membership of the NDC; that is neither here nor there at this time. I think the bigger issue is the way we are headed.”

According to David, “it is always said that for evil to triumph it is sufficient that good men do nothing.”

He said he was amazed that there were people Sunday “sitting in the room; there were people who support this government; there were people who sat there quietly who know better; there were people who know that what was done was a violation of our constitutional rights; but yet they stayed silent.”

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Android:

I think this gentleman Peter should think of changing his direction and attitude, or he could very well end up where he is heading.

ian francis:

Pedro

I love you. Our relations have extended for years. Unfortunately, I think you are beating a dead horse. The appetite for a new movement in Grenada is not evident.

With all due respect, it is indeed a POLITICAL WILDERNESSS. Forget it

Grenada First:

Android, I have read your Comments; I hope they were meant in good faith ... not sinister in intent.

My only hope; Any quality alternative to move Grenada Forward; for recovery and growth, for economic recovery, jobs and a Road to Prosperity is indeed MOST WELCOMED !! We are stuck in deep mud now; as the Government continues to sell off The People's Assets ... what will be left for our children ?????

This NDC Regime should remember who got them into office - - >> The People !!

This Regime should not turn their backs on the people; this is becoming a global shame on Grenada. Grenada is part of the world market; not an isolated rock in the middle of the sea ... we should and need to welcome change for the better, for jobs, for growth; not continued poverty and welfate state mentality. This cannot continue; as we will hit rock bottom. We need Change in Diretion; FAST. Thank You !

Android:

Grenada First, I mean no harm in any way. What I am suggesting is that Peter David seems to be heading back towards the Coard's and Bishop's model of politics,and it seems to me if attitudes and ideas do not change, he could very well end up in one of those compromising situations I hope not here in Grenada. I have always felt that Bernard Coard is bebind this fellow.