Sisters and Brothers,
Let me thank my God and my family for being my pillar of support. I thank my constituents, the people of St. George North East for electing me to serve as a parliamentarian in this country. Also, I thank all the well-wishers who have assisted me in attaining this moment, my appointment as Her Majesty’s Leader of the Opposition.
Sisters and Brothers, I am not naïve about the demands of this new journey. A clear presence of mind, independent thinking, broad public involvement and creative options will be needed. We have a hard road to travel and a long way to go. I invite you to come with me along this rugged road, and someday we will be victorious. Someday we will reap the rewards of our labor.
I am aware that you have questions. And I must answer a few of them even before you ask them:
Who is Tobias Clement?
Sisters and brothers, when I ran for elections in Carriacou and Petit Martinique for the first time in 1995, at a tender age , I did not fathom that one day, it would become necessary for me to transition into being the Leader of the Opposition in parliament. Like everyone else, and being part of a winning team, I saw myself as a member of government assisting my constituents with their daily lives.
But life had other plans for me. I am called upon to challenge the government and to outline alternative ways of developing Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique.
What is Tobias Clement Thinking?
My plan is simple. I will lay before the house of parliament new and innovative ways to conduct the nation’s business and move our country forward. This will be opposition as you have not seen before. I will meet with my parliamentary team regularly to discuss our strategy. Between us, we will put forward our plans for the development of this country.
Why now?
Sisters and brothers, now is the time. Battling COVID-19 cannot remain in the hands of a dictatorship. We need a broad spectrum of ideas to plot our way forward through the coming weeks. After the government lifts the current state of emergency, we will need strong debate on the rejuvenation of our economy, inclusive of all sectors, and the use of our scarce resources.
We must hold this debate in parliament and not cabinet. In addition, we must take the decisions on the expenditure of our money in parliament. It was Nelson Mandela who said. “Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.” Brothers and sisters, I have listened to the discussions and have determined that I need to step forward and enrich the conversation. I anticipate your support in this most important function in such a time as this.
Once again sisters and brothers, I thank you. God bless Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique.
