Nazim Burke, the former Grenada finance minister, has assumed leadership of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He easily defeated former education minister Franka Bernardine during elections held at Sunday’s party convention.

Burke replaces former Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, who did not seek reelection as NDC leader.

“I embrace this challenge with boundless enthusiasm,” Burke commented on his new role as leader.

It’s was the NDC’s first convention since the expulsion of ten members, including former general secretary Peter David, in September 2012.

Party infighting and dissatisfaction led many members and supporters to abandon the NDC, which suffered a humiliating 15 – 0 defeat by the New National Party (NNP) in general elections one year ago.

Burke, who lost his seat in last year’s election, says NDC is now a different party with different persons.

“I must apologize to those who have had distressful moments. I am willing to meet and discuss whatever were your complaints,” he said. “There are always differences in family, but we can come together and work things out.”

Many former NDC supporters and members, including David, are now aligned to the governing NNP.

David, a former foreign minister, is now an advisor to Prime Minister Keith Mitchell and accompanied him to a regional meeting in Cuba last week.


Source: carib news