ST.GEORGE’S, Grenada, Sep 30, CMC – Seven members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) including General Secretary Peter David and trade unionist Chester Humphrey have been expelled from the party.
The other members who have been banned include former cabinet Ministers Joseph Gilbert, Karl Hood, Arley Gill, Glynnis Roberts and disciplinary committee member Siddiqui Sylvester.
Supporters voted overwhelmingly to expel the members at Sunday’s annual convention of the (NDC) in the eastern parish of St. Andrew’s.
David, the former tourism Minister, Hood, the former foreign affairs minister and ex environment Minister Roberts resigned from the cabinet in recent months citing differences with the four and a half year old administration of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas.
The Prime Minister recently ordered the proroguing of parliament in an effort to avoid debate on a motion of no confidence against his administration filed by Hood, the second one in recent months.
Gilbert was fired for writing to American investors promising them a casino license without cabinet’s approval while Gill was sacked in the aftermath of David’s resignation.
Former Government Minister Phinsley St.Louis reportedly moved a motion for the party delegates to expel the seven members including Humphrey who are all known supporters of David.
The rampant infighting within the ruling NDC has put a side led by Prime Minister Thomas against a group led by David in ongoing episodes of political drama.
The decision to expel the seven members, in their absence, came shortly after acting chairman Pastor Stanford Simon, was thrown out of the convention.
NDC supporters voted overwhelmingly for Pastor Simon to be removed after executive member Vincent Roberts moved a motion calling for his expulsion.
The highly anticipated NDC convention, postponed from July, begun with a tinge of controversy as Simon arrived to jeers from some party members.
Some NDC members were heard shouting to pastor Simon that he was not welcomed at the convention which is taking place at the St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School.
However, Simon believed to be a supporter of General Secretary Peter David, had begun chairing the meeting ahead of the vote to elect a new executive.
Chief of staff in the Prime Minister’s office William Joseph has taken over as chairman of the convention.
Education Minister Franca Bernadine is tipped to become the new chairperson of the party.