“You think you working with a team when you sit in cabinet and you don’t realize that you are being dubbed as a traitor, trying to bring down the government… behind your back,” Hood told the Caribbean Media Corporation following the media briefing.

“I think I would not live with that; I cannot live with that; I’d rather step away from it all than to continue being a part of it.”

Hood, himself an evangelical pastor before entering politics, made a biblical invocation as he spoke of uncertainty over his next move which might include a return to full-time gospel ministry – though he was adamant that he was not leaving the ruling NDC.

“As it relates to what’s next, I feel somewhat like Abraham, when called out of Ur of the Chaldeans not knowing where he was going or where he would end up… what happens next, I have no control over this…I have full confidence in God.”

In a broadcast message Thursday night, Prime Minister Thomas thanked Grenadians for offering him “support, encouragement, solidarity and prayers” an to join him in a “national thanksgiving rally” in the island’s second town, Grenville, on Sunday afternoon.

“I also take this opportunity to thank my parliamentary colleagues for their support,” Thomas said. “I urge them to always remember that we are here to respond to the wishes of our people. I consider this a privilege and opportunity to serve them and our country.”

He added: “Most of you are clearly indicating that as a government, we need to resolutely pursue the business of managing the country effectively and continue to deliver on the commitments we made.

“Let me reassure you that I hear you and am dedicated to that task. . With your prayers and support, it is my view that we will continue to achieve our goals and targets. We will achieve this by working as a team that is willing, committed and united in our approach to our many tasks.”

The count has now risen to four ministers who have either been fired or resigned since Thomas became prime minister in 2008.