Nazim Burke resigns as Grenada opposition leader

Nazim Burke has resigned as leader of Grenada’s de facto opposition party, the National Democratic Congress.

He made the announcement at a general council meeting on Sunday.

His decision to step down comes nearly three months after he led the party of a crushing defeat to the Prime Minister Keith Mitchell’s New National Party.

Despite this, Burke – who previously served in the NDC government from 2008 to 2013 – said he made the decision himself and was “not being pushed out by anyone.”

“I have reached this decision on my own accord, after much reflection and careful consideration.

“I must tell you that coming to that decision has not been an easy road to travel. But through it all, I have been guided by the firm and unshakable belief that I should do what is in the best interest of the party, regardless of my personal feelings and circumstance.”

Joseph Andall, deputy party leader, has stepped up as interim leader of the NDC.

The prime minister has yet to comment on the departure, and neither has the NNP.

Speaking about the need to prepare for the next general election in Grenada, Burke said: “We must have the courage to go back to the drawing board, put all the cards on the table and carefully and honestly re-evaluate and re-examine how best to deploy them.

“In so doing, there should be no exception, not even for the position of party leader.”