JAN 03

As we usher in the New Year our focus as a nation should be on good governance. We will begin a new parliament, a parliament that is more balanced and better equipped to debate issues of national importance.

Most of our social and economic ills, like inadequate housing and high unemployment, are directly linked to poor governance. As Elected Representatives we have a responsibility to ensure that our national limited resources are properly managed and all forms of corruption and wastage are eliminated.

The National Democratic Congress is committed to Transparency and Accountability in public affairs; we are giving you the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique the assurance that come January 2004 it would not be business as usual in the governance of this dear land of ours.

The results of the November 2003 General Elections have sent clear signals to those who believe that Grenada belongs to them and have been conducting the business of Government as their private estate.
The electorate has demonstrated an appreciation for representative government and are ready to ditch those who do not represent their interest.

Furthermore, it is clear that the electorate wants a democracy with more inclusion instead of a narrow partisan approach to governance.
It is clear to all and sundry that the people of Grenada are no longer willing to tolerate political tribalism and corruption.

The political tribalism that has pervaded this land of ours in the last few years, especially in relation to contractual employment must be dismantled and be replaced by a system of fairness and non partisan politics.

The National Democratic Congress will not remain quiet whilst the
resources of this country are being dolled away. The time is overdue for the people of Grenada to get a clear and detailed explanation about Hog Island transaction and the Restaurant that is operated at the Ministerial Complex.

We are giving you the assurance that there would be no turning back from championing the cause of Transparency and Accountability in the governing process.

There is a yearning in our society for decency and honesty in public affairs and the National Democratic Congress will do all that is necessary within our democratic institutions to ensure that decency and honesty prevail.

The interest shown in the November 2003 General Elections by the youth of this Nation is of tremendous significance. Those in positions of leadership have a responsibility to sustain that interest by engaging our youth in sound political discussion, debate and education.
Political Education is of utmost importance. A people who are politically educated would make the right choices; when we make the right choices we would get better representation and even better government.

It is high time that we take mature decisions to ensure that our skillful and talented sons and daughters are given an opportunity to contribute to nation building.

In the last few years most decisions taken at a governmental level were based on partisan politics. As a result, we have not only been deprived of quality service and representation, but also embarrassed as a Nation both domestically, regionally and Internationally.
As we begin this New Year let us commit ourselves to take a principled stand on all matters of national interest. Let us bear witness to truth at all times.

On behalf of the Executive Members of the NDC and on behalf of my family and myself I wish all the citizens of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique and in particular, the people of St. Patrick East a happy and productive New Year.