GRENADA:- The opposition New National Party (NNP) of Dr. Keith Mitchell held its 23rd annual convention at the Westerhall Secondary School in the parish of St. David on Sunday July 11, 2009. This is the first mass meeting that the party has held since losing the July 8, 2009 general elections to the ruling National Democratic Congress of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas.

The convention was held under theme, "N.N.P always keeping hope alive."

Despite the challenging economic times, thousands of party supporters and other interested Grenadians flocked at the convention venue to listen to Dr. Mitchell and other members of the New National Party team as they spoke about the challenging economic times, the need for stronger and more assertive leadership, the inability of the ruling party to deliver on promises made during the run-up to last year’s general elections, the alleged victimization of workers who are perceived as opposition supporters and the apparent marginalization of the poor and economically under-privileged.

During the mornings private session, a new executive was formed to help reorganize and restructure the party so as to put it on a sound footing as they move ahead with their plans to once again make the NNP the party with the greatest appeal to Grenadians both at home and abroad.

The position of party leader remained with Dr. Mitchell who was unopposed. Anthony Boatswain, the former Finance Minister, was elected as the party’s treasurer; Brenda Hood, was elected as Welfare officer; Cletus St. Paul as the Labour Relations Officer and Senator Kennedy Roberts is the party’s Public Relations Officer.

Parliamentary representative for St. Andrew’s North-East, Hon Roland Bhola, now holds the substantive post of General Secretary of the party while veteran politician, Kenny Lalsingh is the Deputy Chairman of the party.

Perhaps the most significant move of the day was that of former Deputy Leader of the party, Gregory Bowen, being voted as Chairman of the party and sitting parliamentarian and Parliamentary Representative for Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Hon. Elvin Nimrod, being voted as Deputy Political Leader of the NNP.