The main Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) believes that the future of Grenada is being threatened from within, and as a means of correcting the current economic and social turmoil in the society, the party is ready to demonstrate what true governance calls for.

In recognition of its 20th anniversary, the Congress Party, through its Political Leader, Tillman Thomas, presented its vision, policy and programmatic platform for governance before a packed convention centre at the Grenada Grand Beach resort.

The NDC was formed in October 1987 following the resignation from the government of late Prime Minister Herbert Blaize of three ministers -- George Brizan, Dr. Francis Alexis, and Tillman Thomas who is the current Political Leader of Congress. In an addressing lasting nearly one-hour, Thomas said that his party has decided to fight the upcoming General Elections under the banner of restoring integrity, renewing hope and building together.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell and his governing New National Party (NNP) government can remain in office until early 2009. Thomas outlined the NDC's vision for agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, health care, youth violence, Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs, education, culture, the environment, and the ever increasing cost of living, among others.

He challenged the wide cross-section of people at the function to recognise the many perils the country is facing."Our vision for Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique is of a nation that is free, a land of equal opportunity, a land of diversity, tolerance, unity, peace and prosperity", he said amidst applause.

"It is of a Grenada in which everyone has an equal chance to realize their potential and enjoy the fruits of their labour without fear. It is of a country in which poverty and ignorance have been banished for ever," he added.

The Opposition Leader identified those perils as being in the areas of the unsustainable public debt estimated at nearly 2 billion E.C dollars, reduced access to health care by the poor and marginalized, collapse of democratic institutions on the island, and the violent behaviour among sections of the young people.

"All these developments constitutes threats to our security and speak of failure in the governance process. These developments, if not checked, can do permanent damage and reduce Grenada to the ranks of failed nations," he said. The NDC charged that under the current administration of Prime Minister Mitchell, there is a crisis of confidence, resulting in many Grenadians losing hope.

He reiterated that Congress is totally committed to good governance which, according to him, is about healthy and sustainable development. Stating that good governance calls for honesty, integrity and trust, Thomas said that under an NDC administration fair play will be guaranteed, professionalism will be the standard, and hope will be assured.

"Good governance is accepted as a precondition for development. Bad governance is generally regarded as one of the root causes of all evil within our society", he said.

"Bad governance hinders development and is responsible for the failure of States. Corruption in high places is kept from the people, hence major donors and international financial institutions are increasingly basing their aid and loans on the conditions that reforms which ensure good governance are undertaken," he added.

The NDC leader gave assurances that good governance will be the guiding principle of a Congress government because it is through good governance that all stakeholders in the development process are given a sense of ownership of important national initiatives.

Thomas said his party has been watching and listening to the cries of the people under the Mitchell regime."I can tell you that help is on the way, you have the solution in your hands," he remarked.

Thomas said that in order to attract legitimate investment and stamp out corruption an NDC Government needs to institute good governance. He spoke of the implementation of an Integrity in Public Life Act, and Anti corruption legislation as priorities for any administration he heads. The NDC boss said that locals can confidently rely on a future NDC Government to promote and preserve the independence of the judiciary, encourage and respect a free press, and freedom of expression.

He said a government under his control will also pass freedom of information legislation, and demonstrate that the purpose of government is to look after the welfare of the people, and show zero tolerance for unethical conduct.

Thomas also spoke of a future NDC Government being one of inclusion and consultation with opportunities for all."In this new era of political engagement we shall call on the talents of all Grenadians, regardless of the colour of their T-Shirts. My friends, our tri island State is our home, our heaven. It is for all of us.

"The National Democratic Congress is committed to a policy of inclusion regardless of political affiliation, gender, economic or social circumstances whether you were born here, became naturalised or a permanent resident, you have a role to play in developing this nation. We have to do this together, for if we practice any form of insularity we shall fail.