SWEARING IN OF HER MAJESTY'S OPPOSITION

St. George, July 16, 2008 -- An otherwise subdued gathering at the gazebo of the Governor general's residence came alive and applauded as former Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell arrived to be sworn in as Grenada's newest Opposition Leader.

Mitchell, who recently lost his bid at a fourth consecutive term will now lead a four-member Opposition in Parliament.  Joining him will be Elvin Nimrod, Roland Bhola and Clarice Modeste.

It was clearly evident that supporters were still hurting from the results of last week's poll, as anti-NDC and anti-media sentiments echoed throughout the entire ceremony. The voices of campaigners and well-wishers could be heard expressing sadness at the change, and hopes that there will be another poll in the near future.  The words of the late former prime minister, Herbert Blaize, became a common refrain:  "What goes around, comes around."

Obviously not understanding the role of the media, some were resentful of its presence at Wednesday's ceremony -- claiming that this swearing-in was their show, and that they didn't want them (the media) there.  This was happening while Dr. Mitchell called upon his supporters to guard against recrimination.

Mitchell told supporters that they must not feel any sense of dejection and pointed to the fact that, despite the strong opposition faced during the campaign, the New National Party still attracted 48 percent of the votes.  He also urged supporters not to become Monday-morning quarterbacks since it would hurt loyal supporters of the party

At Wednesday's ceremony, three Opposition senators also received their instruments of appointment: Dwight Horsford, Kennedy Roberts, and Devon Rache.