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George Ignatius BrizanGrenadian statesman
Date of Birth: 31.10.1942
Country:  Grenada |
Content:
- Keit Mitchell: A Statesman of Grenada
- Early Career in Government
- Political Involvement
- Cabinet Positions
- Prime Minister of Grenada
- Electoral Defeat and Retirement
Keit Mitchell: A Statesman of Grenada
Early Life and EducationKeit Mitchell, a distinguished statesman of Grenada, was born in the 1940s. He pursued his education at the University of the West Indies, the University of Calgary (Bachelor of Arts and Master's in History and Economics), and Carleton University (Master's in International Economic Relations).
Early Career in Government
Following his education, Mitchell commenced his government service in Grenada in 1963, primarily in the education sector. He served as a high school teacher, a lecturer, and the Vice-Principal of the Teacher Training College (now T.A. Marryshow Community College). Subsequently, he rose through the ranks to become the Chief Education Officer within the Ministry of Education.
Political Involvement
Mitchell played a pivotal role in Grenadian politics, joining the New Jewel Movement in the 1970s. After leaving the government, he became a renowned lecturer on Grenadian history, particularly among university students. In 1984, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for three consecutive terms, initially representing the New National Party.
Cabinet Positions
Mitchell served as a Minister in the government from 1984 to 1987. In 1987, he co-founded the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and became its first chairman. He subsequently held the positions of Minister of Finance (1990-1992) and Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Industry, Production, and Energy (1992-1995).
Prime Minister of Grenada
In 1995, Mitchell was elected as Prime Minister of Grenada. He concurrently held the portfolios of Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Security, Agriculture, and Human Resources. His government implemented austerity measures due to rising external debt, reduced US aid, and declining profitability in agriculture following the fall of nutmeg prices.
Electoral Defeat and Retirement
In the same year, Mitchell's party lost the election, and the opposition New National Party came to power. In 1999, the NDC lost all parliamentary seats due to internal divisions. Mitchell retired from politics due to health reasons, but remained an expert commentator on Grenadian development.
