Tillman Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tillman Thomas
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Thomas in 2009
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| Prime Minister of Grenada | |
| In office 9 July 2008 – 20 February 2013 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor-General | Daniel Williams Carlyle Glean |
| Preceded by | Keith Mitchell |
| Succeeded by | Keith Mitchell |
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 2 December 2003 – 8 July 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Michael Baptiste |
| Succeeded by | Keith Mitchell |
| Member of Parliament for Saint Patrick East |
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| In office 2 November 2003 – 19 February 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Adrian F. Mitchell |
| Succeeded by | Clifton Paul |
| Leader of the National Democratic Congress | |
| In office October 2000 – 14 February 2014 |
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| Preceded by | George Brizan |
| Succeeded by | Nazim Burke |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 June 1947 Hermitage, Grenada |
| Political party | National Democratic Congress |
| Spouse | Sandra Thomas |
Tillman Joseph Thomas, born on June 13, 1947, is a politician from Grenada. He served as the Prime Minister of Grenada from 2008 to 2013. He also led the National Democratic Congress (NDC) political party from 2000 to 2014. In 2023, he was honored with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) award for his services to Grenada.
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About Tillman Thomas
Tillman Thomas was born in Hermitage, a place in St. Patrick, Grenada. He was held in prison for two years during the time of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop.
Education and Early Career
Thomas studied at Fordham University in New York. There, he earned a bachelor's degree in economics. He also attended the University of the West Indies and Hugh Wooding Law School. He completed his law degree and received a Certificate of Legal Education.
His journey in politics began in 1978. He joined a program focused on human rights and legal aid. He worked with Maurice Bishop, who was a leader of the New Jewel Movement.
Political Journey
In December 1984, Thomas was chosen to represent the St. Patrick East area. He became a member of the House of Representatives of Grenada. From 1984 to 1990, he served as a Junior Minister in the Ministry of Legal Affairs.
In 1987, he helped start the NDC political party. He was the party's Assistant General Secretary from 1987 to 1990. Thomas lost his seat in the 1990 election. However, he was still appointed as a Junior Minister in the Ministry of Labour. Later, he became a Minister in the Ministries of Works and Tourism.
Leading the Opposition
After the NDC party lost the 1999 general election, Thomas was chosen as the party leader in October 2000. In the November 2003 general election, he won a seat in the House of Representatives. Six other members from his party also won seats.
The NDC was just one seat short of having the most seats in the 15-seat House. The New National Party (NNP) won another term in power. In December 2003, Thomas became the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives.
Becoming Prime Minister
After 13 years of being in the opposition, the NDC party won the general election on July 8, 2008. They won 11 out of 15 seats, defeating the NNP. Thomas himself was elected from the St. Patrick East area.
On July 9, 2008, Tillman Thomas was sworn in as Prime Minister. The ceremony took place at the Grenada Trade Centre in Grand Anse, St. George's. Governor-General Daniel Williams performed the swearing-in. Thomas promised that his government would be "open and transparent." He also said they would practice "the politics of inclusion."
Forming a Cabinet
Thomas's cabinet, which is like a team of ministers, had 17 members. They were sworn in on July 13, 2008, at the National Stadium. Besides being Prime Minister, Thomas also took on important roles. These included Foreign Affairs, Legal Affairs, National Security, Information, and Public Administration.
Two people who were not part of the NDC party were also included in the cabinet. Franka Bernadine became the Minister of Education and Human Resources. Jimmy Bristol was appointed as the Attorney-General.
End of Term and Later Life
After almost five years in power, the NDC party lost the February 2013 general election. They lost all of their seats, including the one held by Thomas. The opposition NNP won all 15 seats. Keith Mitchell then became Prime Minister again.
After this defeat, Thomas said in an interview that he was ready to step down as party leader. He stated he was prepared to let someone else take over the leadership. Nazim Burke, who was the former deputy leader and Minister of Finance, became the NDC's new political leader in early 2014.
See also
In Spanish: Tillman Thomas para niños
