Eustace to continue as East Kingstown representative

Although he has resigned as president of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace still intends to carry out his mandate to serve the people of East Kingstown.

“The people of East Kingstown have given me a mandate to serve them this term, and I intend to serve them fully as their elected parliamentary representative,” Eustace declared during his resignation speech last Tuesday night.{{more}}

Eustace, however, said while he fulfils his mandate, he will continue the conversation about who will take the mantle from him.

He thanked his constituents for their support during his tenure as leader.

“I have had your unwavering support. You have stood with me through every struggle and you have fought hard with me in every battle. In moments of self-doubt, you have provided clarity. You have always been the inspiration. As I stand here today, I could not be more proud of all,” he said.

And, he said, while they may want him to remain leader of the NDP, he believes that this is the best time for him to begin his transition.

“I understand your feelings very well, but I have always felt that the hallmark of a good leader – whether on a cricket team, in a business or a political party – is to decide, in the best interest of the organization, when is the best time to transition to new leadership. Importantly, that time must be sufficient to enable the successor to find his/her stride and define his/her leadership before going into general elections. I believe that, strategically, this is the right time for us.”

At meeting of the Central Committee of the NDP last week Tuesday, Eustace announced his decision to resign as Leader of the Opposition and president of the NDP after leading them for 16 years.(CM)