ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell was sworn in for a second consecutive term on Sunday, pledging to put the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique first, while calling for national unity, political maturity and greater public accountability.
Mitchell, whose National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats in Thursday’s general election, said the overwhelming mandate represented an enormous responsibility that his administration would not take lightly.
Addressing supporters following his swearing-in ceremony at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium, Mitchell thanked Grenadians for rejecting what he described as negative politics, personal attacks and divisiveness during the election campaign.
“Grenada has no intention of going back to the days of negative politics, of personal attacks, of division and divisiveness,” he declared.
“We can share differences of opinions, differences of views, different policies without tearing down each other, without maligning each other, and without assassinating the character of our colleagues.”
Mitchell said he had deliberately avoided responding to personal attacks throughout the campaign, recognising his responsibility as Prime Minister to set an example for young people.
He also congratulated all candidates who contested the election, regardless of political affiliation, saying their willingness to offer themselves for public service deserved recognition.
“If we truly wish to continue building Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, I say that there is more than enough work for all of us to do,” he said.
The Prime Minister urged citizens to remain actively involved in the country’s development and to hold elected representatives accountable for delivering on their campaign commitments.
He pledged that the NDC’s constituency manifestos would guide the work of the newly elected administration.
“I pledge that we shall not squander the goodwill, the enormous trust, faith and confidence that you’ve placed in us, your newly elected members of Parliament,” Mitchell said.
“I therefore urge you to hold us accountable and to make sure that we live up and deliver on the promises that we have set out together in our people’s manifesto.”
He stressed that nation-building required the participation of every citizen, noting that government alone could not achieve the transformation Grenadians expected.
“Citizenship is not a spectator sport,” he said, repeating a message delivered during the country’s National Heroes Day observance on October 19.
Mitchell also acknowledged the contribution of Grenadians living overseas, thanking members of the diaspora for their advocacy and involvement in the electoral process.
He urged them to continue supporting national development, stressing that their contribution extended beyond elections.
Reflecting on the NDC’s political fortunes, Mitchell noted that the party had moved from holding no parliamentary seats five years ago to commanding 14 of the 15 seats following Thursday’s polls.
He said the result demonstrated the significant confidence voters had placed in his administration, but warned that such trust must never be taken for granted.
“It is therefore also your responsibility to make sure that you hold us accountable and that we do not squander this goodwill,” he told supporters.
“And therefore you too have an obligation to call us out when we fall short, to counsel, encourage and pray for us when we are not living up to your expectations.”
The NDC’s victory marks the first time since its formation in 1987 that the party has secured consecutive general election victories. It first returned to office under Mitchell in June 2022, winning nine seats and ending the New National Party’s nine-year administration.
In Thursday’s election, the opposition New National Party retained just one seat, while the NDC increased its parliamentary majority to 14.
Mitchell closed his address by reaffirming his government’s commitment to its people-first agenda.
“As your Prime Minister, I pledge to always put the interests of the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique first,” he said.
The swearing-in follows the November 5 general election, in which the NDC secured approximately 61 per cent of the valid votes cast, according to preliminary election results.
