Dr. Keith Mitchell was sworn in as Prime Minister of Grenada by Governor General Sir Daniel Williams during a brief ceremony this morning (Saturday, November 30) at the Governor General’s Residence.

Dr. Mitchell arrived at the Governor General’s Residence, accompanied by his wife Marietta and his son Olinga, to take the Oath of Office. In accepting the responsibility to lead the Government of Grenada for an unprecedented third Term in Office, Prime Minister Mitchell welcomed both the opportunities and challenges ahead. Following is the full text of the Prime Minister’s statement, which was delivered live on some local radio stations.

“As I accept, once again, the responsibility to lead the Government of Grenada, I am filled with hope, humility and healing. Looking ahead to the next five years, I anticipate further development of our Nation and greater opportunities for our people.

More than ever before, the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique need unity, we need peace and stability in order to meet the challenges that will come from within our Country, as well as externally. I am pleased to extend congratulations to the successful National Democratic Congress candidates. I believe that the results of the General Election provide a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our parliamentary democracy.

We fully accept the results of the Election and we understand the implications. We understand that the people expect more participation, more input and more involvement and more accountability in the decision-making process.

The election results show that the people have indicated that they require more balance and more togetherness in the governance of the Nation's affairs.

I will respect this. Government will respect this. We will work with the Opposition. We will consult with the Opposition on important national issues. We will listen to the Opposition, because we accept the fact that the Opposition represents the views of a significant proportion of the population.

Constructive criticism will always be welcome. We will welcome positive suggestions and constructive alternatives from the Opposition. We must all be mindful of the fact, however, that opposition of divisiveness, opposition of hate, opposition of destructiveness are not what Grenada requires at this sensitive time or any other time in our people's development.

Genuine participation requires a commitment to nation building. This means that the Government, the Opposition and all stakeholders need to put Country first, in all matters. Cooperation must take precedence over partisan priorities.

I therefore, take this special opportunity to assure all citizens and other residents of our beautiful Nation, that the New National Party will make the necessary changes and act accordingly to ensure that such participation is genuine, is sustained and is extremely effective.

We must be mindful of the fact that progress requires consultation. It requires sacrifices. It requires understanding. It requires teamwork. I also want to take this opportunity to inform the Nation that the new Cabinet will be appointed on Wednesday and that I will address the Nation on Friday evening to outline some of the steps we will be taking during our first 100 days in Office on the way forward. Again, I want to stress that our focus will be participation by the people.

As the elected Government, we accept the responsibility to govern and to do so on behalf of all the people, whether you voted for NNP or not. The NNP Manifesto indicated the priorities and programme that we will pursue. It outlines the high priority that we propose for social development, with particular emphasis on our young people.

We think that social and human resource developments represent the major focus for the next phase of Grenada's development. Ladies and gentlemen, God has blessed this beautiful Nation with so much.

Let us give Him all the Praise. Give Him the Glory. It was His decision on Election Day. Let Him guide us in all that we do. Thank you.”