by Linda Straker
- Norland Cox and Neilon Franklyn will represent Leader of Opposition in Parliament
- Will take oath of office during first sitting of ceremonial opening of 11th Parliament
- Kindra Maturine-Stewart withdrew before ceremony
Former Infrastructure Minister Norland Cox will be one of 3 senators who will represent Dr Keith Mitchell, Leader of the Opposition, in the Upper House of Parliament.
He was one of 2 people who were presented with their instruments of appointment during a ceremony at the Office of Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade on Thursday. The other receiving an instrument of appointment was Neilon Franklyn. The third nominee decided to withdraw her name hours before the ceremony.
The third person was the lone female nominee, Kindra Maturine-Stewart, former Member of Parliament for the constituency of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. She lost the constituency to the National Democratic Congress’ Tevin Andrews.
Late Wednesday she disseminated a statement explaining the reason behind the withdrawal. “I was indeed honoured to have been advised by the Leader of the Opposition and former Prime Minister of Grenada Hon Dr Keith Mitchell that I was recommended as one of the 3 opposition senators to be a member of the Upper House of Parliament of Grenada,” said the statement. “However, after extensive consultation with my family and having regards to the demands of my family law practice to which I have since returned and the demands that come with the office of an opposition senator, regrettably I have advised the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw my name as a member of the Upper House.”
Maturine-Stewart disclosed that she continues to be a member of the NNP. “As a member of the New National Party, I remain committed to supporting the work of the party especially as it relates to its rebuilding and consolidation,” said the statement.
Both Cox and Franklyn said they intend to contribute assertively to matters and proposed legislation in the Upper House. They will take their oath of office during the first sitting of the ceremonial opening of the 11th Parliament.
Cox has served in the Upper House previously. Franklyn is a youth leader who has served the youth in different capacities and has represented Grenada at various youth meetings and or conferences regionally and internationally.
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said that the new parliament following the 23 June General Election may be held on or before 30 August. Parliament was dissolved on 16 May 2022.
The Constitution of Grenada mandates that the Leader of the Opposition shall appoint 3 people to the 13-member Upper House of Parliament. The Government appoint 7 and the interest groups nominate 3.
The Government has already named its senators, but the interest groups are yet to announce any nominees. The interest groups are the business community, the trade union movement, and the farming and agriculture communities.
..LOL..this is not about you or me.
Entering public life requires strong commitment. It looks bad to the folks she profess to serve for another term. Generally, politician prepare winning and losing speech for night of election. No one wants the later. Of course, she was so confident in winning there was no need to have an employment contingency plan.
Then it’s time to increase the senators salary so they can serve the people without worrying where the next meal coming from.
In that case everyone needs a salary increase in Grenada.
One would expect the former minister of C&P affairs to make her decision not to run or be part of the opposition on the night or shortly after the election. Considering, the day before election she was asking for another term. So it’s all about the money.
Yes and No, she now has children/child
she has to choose her battles wisely and of course money is a factor, not everyone wealthy like you A. Charles.
If ndc lost and Hon. Kerryne James got pregnant with twins and was offered a demanding(No time for anything else) job paying $6000, I’m sure she will choose the demanding job over $1000 in the senate.
Life happens
she never said she was giving up on the NNP or politics, she basically just lost her source of income , let her sort her family out and she’ll be back.
I have no problems with her decision
maybe she should have made the decision Sonner, else no problems
..LOL..this is not about you or me.
Entering public life requires strong commitment. It looks bad to the folks she profess to serve for another term. Generally, politician prepare winning and losing speech for night of election. No one wants the later. Of course, she was so confident in winning there was no need to have an employment contingency plan.
Then it’s time to increase the senators salary so they can serve the people without worrying where the next meal coming from.
In that case everyone needs a salary increase in Grenada.