CATEGORY:BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
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By Trevor Thwaites
Inside Grenada correspondent
Wednesday November 15,2006


ST.GEORGE’S, Grenada - They gathered in their hundreds to celebrate what was indeed a gala birthday party with Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, who turned 60 last Saturday.

Party supporters, government ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corp, close family and friends participated in the celebrations, which began at eight in the evening and concluded at around three Sunday morning at the Grenada Grand Beach Resort. Emotions ran high as glowing tributes were paid to the Prime Mitchell, who has been leading the country since 1995.

Government officials, Agriculture Minister Gregory Bowen and Foreign Affairs Minister Elvin Nimrod, hailed the Dr. Mitchell for what they said were the many accomplishments he has secured for the country. “The function is honour for all the trials and tribulations endured and successes”, Bowen said, while Nimrod described the 60-year-old captain as the best he has come across. “I do not know of a better captain. He is a counselor, friend and mentor. It will be hard to find a replacement”, the Foreign Affairs Minister remarked.

Bosom friends and university graduates, who studied at the Cave Hill Campus in Barbados with Dr Mitchell - cousin Denis Campbell and Medical Practitioner, Dr Bert Braithwaite - also hailed Prime Minister Mitchell as a true leader and stalwart. Campbell, who also spent a lot of time with his friend during their days at Presentation Brothers College (PBC), described him as a national icon, who was always in touch with his people, especially the ordinary folks.

“He always had a vision for infrastructural and educational development”, Campbell said. Brathwaite hailed Dr. Mitchell as an outstanding leader, one with plenty of vision. He said that the developments here in the last five years have placed the Prime Minister among the best leaders in the region.

His Barbadian wife, Marietta, was not left out. She too showered praises. “He was always talking about coming to serve his country. He is a people’s person. The celebrations are truly fitting”, Mrs. Mitchell said

The champagne toasts and best wishes for a happy birthday and many more punctuated the celebrations, which showcased a sumptuous dinner and exciting party. The celebrant was certainly moved by the occasion. “I want to be 60 again next year. It has been special in every sense of the word. I am impressed by the diversity of the crowd”, an emotional Prime Minister Mitchell, who had lost his voice earlier in the day said.

Dr Mitchell indicated that he hated no one and called on nationals to unite to continue to build a truly prosperous country. He said that the government is striving to help those in need and will rule with pride and dignity. “We will not attempt to bring anyone down. We will be working for everyone”, the Prime Minister said.

The tributes and dinner was followed by a truly exciting evening as the prime minister and his guests danced the night away to the scintillating sounds of Brian McQueen and the Old Time Band. They certainly had everyone going, especially the prime minister, who produced some ‘wicked moves’, which earned much admiration.