Allister Bain quits the party citing Leadership Concerns
The main opposition New National Party (NNP) is facing growing internal challenges as senior member Allister Bain, former Chairman of the St. George North-west Constituency Branch of ex-Prime Minister Keith Mitchell has resigned from both his position and the party, citing concerns over leadership integrity and internal democracy.
In a resignation letter addressed to NNP’s General Secretary Roland Bhola on Tuesday, Bain expressed disappointment in the party’s direction, particularly criticising the conduct of the 2024 leadership elections.
He alleged violations of the party’s constitution, unfair election practices, and inflammatory rhetoric from Dr. Mitchell who resigned as Political Leader in December and took on the role of Chairman.
Bain, once considered a close ally of the former Prime Minister, also condemned the leadership’s failure to address internal divisions, instead focusing on attacking Member of Parliament for the Town of St. George, Peter David, rather than addressing pressing national issues.
David was repeatedly attacked by Mitchell in the run-up to the December 15 Convention of Delegates after he expressed an interest in becoming the new party boss.
According to Bain, the NNP’s inability to uphold democratic principles made it impossible for him to remain a member in good conscience.
“I believe that the behaviour that you see coming from the leadership of the party, and the behaviour of the current Chairman is one that has become very divisive, one that doesn’t embrace the principles of good governance or the principles (and) the policies of the party, and, when an organisation starts to break its own rules, I believe that every member of that organisation needs to check themselves (and) make a decision as to whether they want to be part of what I would call a rogue organization,” he said.
“And I definitely do not want to be part of that so I decided to part with the party,” stated Bain as he confirmed in an interview on Tuesday that he had submitted his resignation via email.
His departure comes at a critical time for the NNP, which has been facing internal fractures since its defeat in the 2022 general elections.
The latest resignation, which also comes in the wake of the resignation of MP Peter David, which sparked the resignations of 23 persons from two Constituency branches of the party raises serious questions about unity within the party as it seeks to rebuild its political influence.
THE NEW TODAY understands that resignation letters have been done by at least three party members in St Andrew’s to be handed in shortly to Bhola.
While expressing regret over his departure, Bain wished the NNP success in returning to principles of transparency and democratic governance.
When contacted on Tuesday, General Secretary Bhola stated he was not in a position to confirm receipt of Bain’s resignation letter but wished him well in his future endeavours.
“The fact is that we are not happy as a party that people have resigned, but we accept the fact that people have a right to do as they feel once it’s legal. You know, we support them in their endeavours. I know Mr. Bain has benefited tremendously through the New National Party, and now a decision was taken to move elsewhere or to move out of politics altogether. Whatever his endeavours are, we just want to wish him good luck, the very best, and like everyone else, let them know that the doors of the NNP are always open, so they are welcome back home if greener pastures don’t come their way,” Bhola remarked.
Bain, who has served in various capacities since joining the NNP in the late 1990’s hinted at potential shifts in Grenada’s political landscape, suggesting that many voters feel disillusioned with existing parties.
“There is a significant portion of the electorate who I know are disenchanted (and) dissatisfied with the parties that offer themselves. It’s time for that demographic to start making their voices heard and start looking at the options,” he remarked.
Following is the full text of Bain’s resignation letter:-
February 4th, 2025
Mr. Roland Bhola
General Secretary
New National Party
Tempe
ST. GEORGE
Dear General Secretary Bhola
Resignation as Chairman of the St. George NW Constituency Branch and as a Member of the New National Party
I am writing to formally tender my resignation as Chairman of the St. George NW Constituency Branch and as a member of the New National Party, effective immediately. This decision has not been made lightly, but after careful consideration, I find it necessary to step away from an organization that no longer aligns with the principles of democracy, fairness, and integrity that I hold dear.
Over the past several months, I have observed with deep concern the divisive and inflammatory utterances made by the former Political Leader and now Chairman, on various party platforms, particularly during the run-up to the 2024 convention and Leadership elections. Such statements have not only undermined the unity of the party but have also eroded the trust and confidence of its members and supporters.
The disregard for the party’s constitution in the conduct of Leadership elections during the December convention is deeply troubling. The blatant violations of established rules and procedures have called into question the party’s commitment to democratic principles and fair governance. Despite repeated attacks and attempts to “Demonize” MP David by the Political Leader, at a time when there were burning issues of national importance that a responsible opposition Party should have been confronting, the party leadership has failed to take corrective action or call out the member for these flagrant violations. As someone who has dedicated time and effort to upholding these values, I cannot in good conscience continue to be associated with an organization that shows such little respect for the democratic system or the rules that govern it.
It is with a heavy heart that I disassociate myself from the New National Party. I had hoped to contribute to a movement that prioritized the interests of the people and upheld the highest standards of ethical leadership. Unfortunately, the current trajectory of the party suggests otherwise.
I wish the New National Party well in its future endeavors and hope that it will one day return to the principles of unity, transparency, and respect for democratic governance that are essential for the progress of our nation.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve the party and the people of the St. George NW constituency.
Sincerely,
Alister A. Bain, JP
