ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Feb 19, CMC – Supporters of the main opposition New National Party (NNP) took to the streets in celebration here on Tuesday night after the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) conceded defeat in the general election.
The NNP, headed by former prime minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, appears heading for a clean sweep of all the 15 seats, a repeat of the 1999 performance.
Prime Minister Tillman Thomas as well as his senior cabinet ministers were swept aside in the general election, four and a half years after their had won the polls by an 11-4 margin.
Thomas polled 1,153 votes as against 1, 288 for political newcomer Clifton Paul, a retired teacher and NDC deputy chairman Kent Joseph appeared on television to concede defeat and congratulated the NNP for its victory.
“The younger voters are the ones who played a factor in this election, apart from the economy and jobs,” he told reporters, adding “ it is not because of what we did not do well.
“We did a very good job in the economy itself from what we had and what we met, but this is democracy so I am not perturbed. I have been through this already in 1999.”
Joseph told supporters that they should not be disheartened.
Among the casualties were Finance Minister Nazim Burke, Social Development Minster Sylvester Quarless and Works Minister Arlene Walker.
Burke was defeated in the St. George’s North East constituency by the relatively unknown candidate, Tobia Clement, a lecturer at the St. George’s University here, who later told reporters that “I say to God be the glory.
“”I always out my trust in the Lord and tonight he has moved in a big way,” he added.
Mitchell told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that “it is clear that we have won the election, it is very likely we will win all the seats”.
He said he would be addressing party supporters at a rally at Tanteen, on the outskirts of the capital later on Tuesday night.
