Supporters flock to political rallies

The National Democratic Congress rally on Sunday.

Supporters are flocking to political rallies by the thousands on Sundays as the executive of political parties do what they think is necessary to encourage registered voters to give them majority votes in the various constituencies on February 19, 2013.

Last Sunday, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters packed the Roy St. John grounds in Tanteen, while the supporters of the New National Party (NNP) assembled at the Cuthbert Peters Park in Gouyave. For the first time, both parties had endorsers addressing their supporters from the platform. Former leader of the Opposition was the choice for the NDC, while former WTO Trade Ambassador, Dr. Patrick Antoine, was on the NNP platform.

Dr. Keith Mitchell addressing the crowd.

While it was not a surprise for Dr. Antoine to endorse the NNP, it was a surprise to see Michael Baptiste on the NDC stage as days before he was said to be campaigning for another minority party.

“We will welcome anyone who endorses our governance agenda,” said Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, as he explained that his party practices politics of inclusion.

While Baptiste was of the opinion that Grenada was heading in the right direction with the Tillman Thomas-led NDC, Dr. Antoine felt that since 2008 Grenada’s economy has continuously sunk, making it waste years that has set Grenada behind all other Windward Islands.

The massive crowd which turned out for the New National
Party rally at Cuthbert Peters Park, Gouyave, St. John's.

“Grenada is the lower country in the Windward Islands to have lowered its GDP since 2008,” Dr. Antoine told the thousands who had braved the weather.

But Baptiste, in justifying his claim that Grenada is on the right track, said that the NDC administration brought back sanity and respect to many institutions, which according to him were divided during the period 1995 to 2008.

“The DPP got back his power, policemen can now dream of becoming the Commissioner of Police, we now have respect for institution,” he said. “I will do all in my power to ensure that this decent man remains in office,” he promised.

As expected, both leaders addressed supporters and reminded them why it’s important for each one to administer the affairs of the country for the next five years. The leaders both promised to bring activities to the country that will result in jobs and improve the standard of living, thereby resulting in a developed economy. (LS)