NESDEC to hold sessions with public

A social contract has been drafted following a series of consultations between the National Economical Social Development Council (NESDEC) and the public.

After being charged with the responsibility of drafting the contract in 2003, a social contract working group was formed by NESDEC to take forward the process of discussions and consultation on elaborating the social contract.

Last week Monday, Martin Laborde, chairman of NESDEC and Deputy Chairman Renrick Rose at a press conference revealed the draft which they intend to continue consultation on.{{more}}

According to the contract, the social contract recognizes the special features of Civil Society’s non profit organizations, their autonomy, identity, distinctiveness and right to participate freely in the debate on and development of national policies and to work alongside the state and private sector to enhance productivity and economic development.

Some aims of the social contract include the promotion of collaboration and cooperation among civil society’s organizations and government, also to encourage the best practices and cooperative methods of decision making and for reviewing performance and to review the on going relationships between government and civil society.

The draft also lists a number of principles of the Government and Civil Society which includes the affirmation that the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is founded on the belief in the supremacy of God and the freedom and dignity of man, and also the development of the spirit and conduct of solidarity among and between the various sections of society, especially those who are disadvantaged or economically weak.

The Social Contract Working Group is expected to begin wider consultations in the near future.