The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has outlined a number of plans it will put in place if elected to form the next government.

The NDC has launched what is called a forerunner to its manifesto, a policy document “Where We Stand – the 2008 Agenda for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

NDC leader Tillman Thomas said the party’s overall plan for the high cost of living, health care, agriculture, economic development, tourism and sports and culture will significantly increase the standard of living in Grenada.

The NDC has pledged to lower the cost of living whenever they take over the reigns of government.

“The NDC will start to address this pressing issue from day 1”, contended the Opposition Leader, “We shall significantly reduce import duties on a select basket of essential goods so as to make these goods affordable”, he continued.

Thomas said his administration would embark on a new and genuine food security campaign, providing support and incentives to farmers and encouraging backyard gardening.

The document also outlines the NDC’s plan for youth development including providing early childhood education, revising the curriculum for secondary schools and ensuring that no child leaves school without a qualification.

The party is also planning to make tertiary level education available to all students.

The NDC is proposing to introduce the Grenada Youth Upliftment Programme aimed at benefiting youths which will incorporate the positive aspects of the IMANI programme.

However, Thomas said young persons will be given real training and job opportunities and no one will be sent home.

The NDC believes poor health can undermine all other gains achieved by a nation, as such the party plans to put a lot of time and resources in upgrading the health sector. “We plan to focus on primary health care and upgrade community health care facilities, in addition we will follow a five year plan for the upgrading of the general hospital as well as the Princess Alice and Princess Royal”, noted Thomas.

In order to generate income to finance the social programmes necessary for the sustainable development of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the NDC will implement a five year plan that will target agriculture, agribusiness, tourism, information technology and foreign investment as the pillars and driving forces of the economy..