It moved from  "Face-to-Face" to "Touching Base" and it's now called, "Village Forum".

That's the new public relations programme being launched by the ruling New National Party (NNP) government of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell which is seeking an unprecedented fourth term in office.

And according to the Government Information Service (GIS), the administration which has another two years to seek a fresh mandate is embarking on another nation-wide information awareness campaign "to enlighten citizens about development plans this year".

The programme, which is organised by GIS itself began on Tuesday and will be interactive to allow viewpoints of the average citizen, on the 2007 budget and other issues pertinent to Grenada's socio-economic development.

The first meeting was scheduled for the River-Salle Government School, and to be followed at the Grenville Secondary School and the Grenada Trade Centre. The release said that Prime Minister Mitchell, accompanied by select groups of Cabinet Ministers, will attend most of the village meetings.

Dr Mitchell believes the consultative process engages people to shape development in accordance with the principles of participatory democracy. The Grenadian Leader labels the exercise as "meaningful democracy in the most proficient manner."

Stating his philosophy on governance, he said "as Government undertakes the challenge of meeting the public's needs, the programme will serve as an integral aspect to produce the best results." The meetings will continue on January 31 at the Corinth Government School, the Tivoli R.C School and the Happy Hill Secondary School.

On February 1, the GIS machinery will shift to St. Patrick's at Mc Donald College, and Wesley College Secondary School and Morne Jaloux R.C in St. George's. The programme will break for the Independence festivities and will resume on February 13.