NDC’S ‘ACTION AGENDA’ LAUNCHED

Having launched its “achievement booklet” last week, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) launched its “Action Agenda” on Wednesday at the Grand Beach Convention Centre.

A first for any political organisation seeking re-election in Grenada, the booklet summary said that despite these formidable challenges, the NDC began the task of mobilising the society to rebuild the economy, create employment opportunities and provide a safety net for the most vulnerable.

NDC supporters at a rally last Sunday in Gouyave.

“It has been an uphill struggle, but at the end of the first term there is no doubt that we have climbed to higher ground and laid foundations for sustainable economic growth and job creation,” it stated.

According to the booklet, some of the achievements of the Tillman Thomas-led administration include: Introduced prudent macro-economic management policies and practices recognised by international organisations and countries and strengthened framework for better management with the establishment of Policy Unit and Debt Unit.

The NDC is claiming that it caused Grenada to climb to 73rd in the Ease of Doing Business Ranking from 98th in 2008 while the island was able to attain a ranking among the world’s top 10 in Doing Business in 2010.

“Identified five transformational sectors: Tourism and Hospitality services, Agri-business, ICT, Energy Development, Health, Educational and Wellness service,” said the 28-page document that is also available online at www.ndcgrenada.org.

In the area of free money, the administration said that it “mobilised over $233.9 million in grants over the past four years; simplified the tax system with the introduction of VAT and Excise Tax; and enacted the Investment Promotion Act, which finally gives investors a clear and predictable track on which to run”.

Other achievements include: Appointed separate Registrars for Court, Deeds and Lands and Corporate and Intellectual Property; Repealed the National Reconstruction Levy (NRL) thereby releasing $10 million back into the hands of Grenadians; Provided a tax amnesty offering taxpayers a 100% waiver on interest and penalties for full settlement of principal sums owed, providing a welcome relief to members of the business community, as well as other taxpayers who were in arrears.

On Tuesday, an official from the party said that Wednesday’s launch of the agenda was expected to be in digital format and only soft copies were to be made available to members of the media and others who attend.

It was not clear if a traditional hard copy would be made available to the general public and supporters. (LS)