Keith Mitchell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Keith Mitchell
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Mitchell in 2021
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| Prime Minister of Grenada | |
| In office 20 February 2013 – 24 June 2022 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor-General | Sir Carlyle Glean Dame Cécile La Grenade |
| Preceded by | Tillman Thomas |
| Succeeded by | Dickon Mitchell |
| In office 22 June 1995 – 9 July 2008 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor-General | Sir Reginald Palmer Sir Daniel Williams |
| Preceded by | George Brizan |
| Succeeded by | Tillman Thomas |
| Leader of the New National Party | |
| In office 18 January 1989 – 15 December 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Herbert Blaize |
| Succeeded by | Emmalin Pierre |
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 4 July 2022 – 21 February 2025 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Prime Minister | Dickon Mitchell |
| Preceded by | Tobias Clement |
| Succeeded by | Emmalin Pierre |
| In office 9 July 2008 – 20 February 2013 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Tillman Thomas |
| Preceded by | Tillman Thomas |
| Succeeded by | Vacant Tobias Clement (in 2020) |
| Member of Parliament for St. George North West |
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| Assumed office 3 December 1984 |
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| Preceded by | George Hosten |
| Majority | 2,500 (71.61%) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Keith Claudius Mitchell
12 November 1946 Brizan, Grenada |
| Political party | New National Party |
| Spouse | Marietta Mitchell |
| Children | Olinga Mitchell |
| Alma mater | University of the West Indies Howard University American University Presentation Brothers' College |
Keith Claudius Mitchell was born on 12 November 1946. He is a well-known politician from Grenada. He served as the Prime Minister of Grenada two times. His first time was from 1995 to 2008, and his second was from 2013 to 2022.
He holds the record for being the longest-serving Prime Minister in Grenada's history. He was in office for more than 22 years. Keith Mitchell also led the New National Party (NNP) from 1989 until 2024. He was the Leader of the Opposition in Grenada's parliament from 2008 to 2013, and again from 2022 to 2025.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Keith Claudius Mitchell was born in a community called Brizan, located in Saint George, Grenada. He was a bright student.
University Studies
In 1971, Mitchell graduated from The University of the West Indies. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and chemistry. He continued his studies in the United States.
Advanced Degrees
He received a master's degree from Howard University in 1975. Later, in 1979, he earned a doctorate in mathematics and statistics from American University. After finishing his studies, he worked as a statistician. He helped with statistical support for the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Return to Grenada
In 1984, Mitchell decided to stop his professional work in the U.S. He returned home to Grenada. This was after the U.S. invasion of the island.
Cricket Career
Before his political career, Keith Mitchell was also a talented cricket player. He was a spin bowler.
Captain of the Grenada Team
In 1973, he had the honor of being the captain of the Grenada cricket team. Even after becoming a politician, he remained involved in cricket. He became an important cricket administrator in the West Indies.
Political Journey
Keith Mitchell's political journey began in 1984. He became a Member of Parliament and later served as Prime Minister multiple times.
First Election to Parliament
In the general election held in December 1984, Mitchell was elected. He won a seat in the House of Representatives. He represented the St. George North West area. He has successfully held this seat in every election since then.
Leading the New National Party
In January 1989, Mitchell was chosen as the leader of the NNP. He won against the then-Prime Minister, Herbert Blaize. After this, Prime Minister Blaize removed Mitchell from his role as Minister of Communications and Works on 21 July 1989.
First Term as Prime Minister (1995-2008)
The NNP won the 1995 Grenadian general election on 20 June 1995. They secured eight out of 15 seats in the House of Representatives. Mitchell became Prime Minister on 22 June, forming his Cabinet.
Under his leadership, the NNP achieved a big victory in January 1999. They won all 15 seats in the early election. The NNP won a third term in the November 2003 election. This time, they had a small majority of just one seat in parliament. During these terms, Mitchell also served as the Minister of Finance for three different periods.
Leader of the Opposition (2008-2013)
In the 2008 Grenadian general election on 8 July 2008, the New National Party lost. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) won 11 seats, while the NNP won four. Mitchell kept his seat from St. George North West.
Tillman Thomas, the NDC leader, became Prime Minister on 9 July. Mitchell accepted the results, saying people voted for change. He congratulated Thomas. After the election, he remained the NNP leader. He was sworn in as Leader of the Opposition on 16 July 2008.
Second Term as Prime Minister (2013-2022)
In the 2013 Grenadian general election in February 2013, the NNP made history again. They won all 15 parliamentary seats. This was a huge victory. Mitchell was sworn in as Prime Minister on 20 February 2013.
He and his New National Party continued to make history. In the Grenada General Election on 13 March 2018, they won all 15 seats again. This was the first time any political party in the region had achieved such a feat. Mitchell also held the role of Minister of Finance until 2020.
Return to Opposition (2022-2025)
In June 2022, Mitchell called for a quick general election. His New National Party was defeated by the National Democratic Congress. The NDC was led by Dickon Mitchell (who is not related to Keith Mitchell). The NNP won 6 seats, while the NDC won 9.
Keith Mitchell then became the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives of Grenada. Before the NNP's national meeting in 2024, Mitchell announced he would not seek re-election as leader. He stepped down after more than 35 years in the role. Emmalin Pierre succeeded him as party leader. Mitchell resigned as Leader of the Opposition on 21 February 2025. He recommended Pierre as his successor.
International Relations
Keith Mitchell also played a role in Grenada's relationships with other countries.
Relations with Cuba and China
In 1997, Mitchell became the first Prime Minister since Maurice Bishop to visit Cuba. During his visit, he signed an agreement for economic cooperation. In 2005, he re-established Grenada's relations with the People's Republic of China.
Cooperation with the United States
Mitchell approved plans in 1996 for the United States Coast Guard to build a base on Petite Martinique. He also allowed medical visits from the USNS Comfort, a hospital ship.
Awards and Recognition
Keith Mitchell has received honors for his work. He was given the Order of José Martí from Cuba.
See also
In Spanish: Keith Mitchell para niños
