NDC launches manifesto in Grenada

ST. GEORGE’S – The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) today launched its manifesto for the February 19 general election, outlining new initiatives in various sectors of the economy and telling voters it is the best party to continue the socio-economic development of Grenada.“We are the best party to build a nation that is free, a land of equal opportunity, a land of tolerance, fair play and prosperity,” Finance Minister Nazim Burke said at the launch of the manifesto, which indicates that Grenada’s future lies on five pillars of development including tourism, agri-business, energy and education. “We believe it is possible, we believe the foundation, the most important prerequisite for achieving it is a government that is honest, that is committed to the principles of good governance, a government that is committed to transparency…a government that is committed to account to the persons who elected them, a government that believes in integrity in public life, a government that will show respect for the institutions of the country and a government that will show respect for the rule of law.” He said the NDC would seek to maximise the island’s human resources, to achieve fiscal stability and sustainability, as well as ensure that the government “ in its operations through sound management would get value for money. “At the end of the day every time we spend it is your money and we must ensure that it is well spent and that we get value for money,” he said. Burke told an audience that also included NDC leader and Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, that when the party came to office in 2008, it found an economy in shambles and high unemployment. He said the policies of the government over the past four and a half years have resulted in safety nets  for the disadvantage and vulnerable, adding “we are able to say with pride that today Grenada is the country that has the largest allocation on social development programmes per capita in the Western hemisphere”. At the launch, the NDC also released a booklet on its achievements, indicating that it had introduced prudent macro-economic management policies and practices recognized by international organizations and countries as well as simplifying the tax system with the introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) and Excise Tax.  Burke said that the NDC is promising to “create new possibilities for all our people” and that more than 10,000 new jobs would be created in various areas of the economy over the next five years. Burke said that the five pillars of development would also be dependent on improved public sector infrastructure as well as the development of public institutions to ensure good governance and a safe environment for investors. Earlier Tourism Minister Dr. George Vincent said that the new tourism plan, like its predecessor, has taken into account the role of the private sector in developing the industry.  Burke also announced night landing facilities would be installed on the sister isle of Carriacou. The NDC is seeking another five year term in power, but faces a string challenge from the main opposition New National Party (NNP) of former prime minister Dr. Keith Mitchell. Both the NDC and the NNP have names candidates for all 15 seats at stake in the elections. In the 2008 poll, the NDC won 11 of the seats. (CMC)