ST GEORGE ‘S, Grenada (CMC) – Grenada’s former foreign affairs minister, Peter David, is calling on supporters of the main opposition New National Party (NNP) to elect him as the party’s new leader at the convention on Sunday.

David, the deputy general secretary of the party, is being challenged for the post by Emmalin Pierre, whom political observers say has the backing of Opposition Leader Dr Keith Mitchell, who is not seeking to head the party of which he was a founding member in 1989.

“One day, maybe sooner rather than later I have to give up leadership of this party but let me say this to you, I will not just be giving up leadership there will be in place someone or persons that cares for you and the people of this country,” Mitchell has told supporters.

NNP general secretary, Roland Bhola, confirmed that David and Pierre are the two candidates nominated to contest the leadership of the party, saying “the executive agreed that whoever becomes the leader will also become prime minister of the country and we don’t want to find ourselves in a position where people are questioning the choice of leader when the party wins the next election”.

David in a broadcast on Monday night, said he was asked to join the NNP over a decade ago with the argument being made to me that I have a significant contribution to make to national development and that they would welcome me with open arms.

“Initially I was very reluctant, and it took some convincing from senior members of the party with whom I had long-standing relationships, and even rank and file members throughout the national communities”.

David said that the party, in its current context, “faces some challenges, but also a historic opportunity – to reinvent itself, consolidate its base; win again and unite a nation.

“Our defeat over two years ago forced all of us to reassess, re-strategize and re-organize. All these are works in progress. We now have an opportunity to build on a 40-year legacy by writing new chapters of inclusiveness, ushering in a new era of politics devoid of unnecessary rancor.”

He said that the NNP must return to being the vanguard; not just of its loyal base “but for an entire nation out there that may include sceptics and old foes.

“We must be seen again as the party with the big tent that welcomes everyone. Every day must be seen as a new opportunity to hammer our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks—any good act for the advancement of our nation.

“My years of experience have taught me, you don’t have to lose for me to win,” he said, adding that there is need for the party to be united if it is to stand a chance of regaining power at the next general election.

David, an attorney, said nothing is more important reminding the NNP that “we all will do well to hear the words and the warnings of our dear friend, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness this week, who spoke at our banquet about the need for both democracy and unity.

“We must go forward with love, respect, gratitude, and with an unwavering commitment to democracy. A vibrant political party can have a robust contest among members for any position. We can all go in as friends and comrades and come out of it still as friends and comrades, and with the party stronger because of the democratic exercise”

He urged supporters not “to fan the flames of tribalism,” adding “let’s not yield to the temptation to devour each other.

“There is a cause that is bigger than any single one of us. The cause of the empowerment and betterment of the Grenadian people,” said David noting that he has on several occasion indicated his intention to seek the leadership of the party.

“When it appeared that I was the most organized aspirant, I was asked to suspend my campaign, and have suspended any campaign in my name, because others were not yet campaigning. I even played by that unfair rule.

“I have always viewed any potential contest among party members as a contest among friends; that we will all enter the campaign as friends – and win, lose, or draw – come out of it even better friends, committed to a common cause.”

David said he was imploring every member to ensure that “a free, transparent democratic contest is not confusion; it is not fighting. It is the sign of a strong and functioning movement.

“There are people who would want to show it up as that. I detest any fanning of the flames of tribalism or division. The other campaigns don’t have to lose for my campaign to win”.