St. George’s, February 19, 2012 – The National Democratic Congress joins the rest of the nation in mourning the passing of our good friend and colleague, Hon. George Brizan, who died on Saturday after a long battle with the effects of diabetes.

Mr Brizan is a true Grenadian patriot who has served us well as a politician, teacher, economist and historian.

Of course it was his vision and efforts, along with that of Dr Francis Alexis, which led to the formation of our party – the National Democratic Congress – and introduced a kinder, gentler, more socially-conscious movement into our national politics.

The late Mr Brizan formed the NDC after he took a stance for the workers of Grenada who were faced with massive retrenchment under the then New National Party.

He was the first leader of our party. He remained, to his very last days, a respected elder of the National Democratic Congress.

By the time he entered full time politics, Mr Brizan had already made his mark as an educator and writer, but then went on to further distinguish himself as a senior government minister, including that of Agriculture Minister. He is widely regarded as one of the best Agriculture Ministers in post-independent Grenada.

As the Minister of Finance he also heroically, and in the face of much skepticism, fashioned Grenada’s homegrown structural adjustment programme – guiding Grenada out of the jaws of a stricter International Monetary Fund programme – and laying the foundation for the country’s economic revival.

Hon. Brizan’s remarkable patriotism and his outstanding contribution to nation-building will be hailed for many years to come.

The NDC expresses its sincerest condolence to his wife Jean, and their children.

Mr Brizan is expected to be honored with an official funeral, befitting of his status as a former government leader and in tribute to his contribution to the modern Grenadian society.