The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has released the names of its Shadow Cabinet to do battle in parliament with the ruling New National Party (NNP) government of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell.

A party spokesman told GRENADA TODAY that Opposition Leader Tillman Thomas will look after the portfolios of National Security and Information, the same as Prime Minister Mitchell.

Thomas, who won the rural St. Patrick East seat in the November 27 general election, is returning to parliament after an abscence of nine years.

The official said that barrister-at-law, Nazim Burke (M.P for St. George North-east) will be the party's spokesman on Finance, International Trade, and Public Utilities while Glynis Roberts (South St. George) will shadow the Ministry of Tourism and Women's Affairs.

Barrister-at-law Peter David (Town of St. George) will look after Foreign Affairs and Labour, Denis Lett (St. David's), the portfolio of Agriculture, Lands & Survey, and Kenrick Fullerton (St. Andrew South-east), the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

The other sitting NDC member in the Lower House, Alleyne Walker (St. Andrew North-west) will be the spokesman on Works. The official also said that the Mitchell government has apparently backed away on its earlier decision not to extend the EC$1500.00 a month Constituency Allowance to members of the opposition.

When a 4-member delegation from the opposition met with Prime Minister Mitchell last month, he indicated to the members that the funds were earmarked only for government ministers who are elected members of parliament.

However, the NDC spokesman said that the party was in receipt of a Cabinet Conclusion from government pointing out that the Allowance was for use of all elected Members of the house.

He stated that the congress party would instruct its members in the Lower House to put the necessary mechanisms in place to take advantage of the allowance.

The funds are intended to pay for the upkeep of a constituency office by paying for a Secretary, and utility bills like telephone and electricity services.