NDP releases manifesto for December 9 general election

The New Democratic Party (NDP) has released its 2015 manifesto, which outlines the party’s plans to develop St Vincent and the Grenadines, should it win the December 9 general election.{{more}}

The 88-page document was released online last Tuesday, November 10, in digital format and is available online at www.ndpsvg.org.

On Wednesday, November 11, shadow minister of trade, industry and commerce, private sector facilitation, disaster management and labour St Clair Leacock said that the NDP is proud to be able to release its manifesto, and assured that a hard copy will be made available to the public in a few days’ time.

Speaking from the NDP Headquarters, Leacock described the document as “fairly elaborate” and points to what the NDP will do to uplift the country.

The manifesto includes a message from NDP president Arnhim Eustace, the party’s first year ‘to do’ list, an outline of proposed development projects, and more in-depth information about the NDP’s plan of action/change for the various operational sectors.

In his manifesto message, Eustace touts the NDP as a “revamped mass political organization deservedly in its ascendancy.”

“Having deepened the party’s democracy, held even senior party members to account, advocated for the right and welfare of Vincentians of every political hue, exposed government corruption and helped to restore democracy elsewhere in the Caribbean – we differ starkly from the ULP,” reads the president’s message.

Describing the NDP’s candidates as “experts in diverse fields of endeavour,” Eustace’s message further states: “National success requires nationwide participation. Every willing Vincentian of every political persuasion, of every capacity, in every country, is needed to rebuild the nation. The NDP is ready to lead that effort.”

The manifesto’s ‘to do’ list identifies a 15-point agenda that it states will begin to be implemented the day after the NDP takes office.

This includes removing VAT on over 100 basic items; removing VAT on electricity and finding other options to reduce overall electricity costs; replanting and rehabilitating 1,000 acres of banana fields; reinstating a development bank to support enterprise; implementing community-based projects in every constituency; paying student fees for CSEC and CAPE examinations; reviving the Book Loan Scheme; developing and maintaining playing fields in every constituency; tackling/reducing corruption and crime; passing integrity legislation in Parliament; implementing a national health insurance service; ensuring the availability of basic health care facilities and medications at the community level; reducing the government’s debt to the private sector by 50 per cent; provision of 500 ICT jobs; and implementing a “true” low-income housing programme.

Another section of the manifesto outlines 10 initiatives that can begin “immediately” as part of the NDP’s development strategy. These include a partnership with an international construction group to complete the Argyle International Airport; a 1,000-unit residential and hotel resort complex; an overhaul of SVG’s financial services; and developing the agriculture sector with particular regard to cocoa and banana crops – among others.

The manifesto also identifies what the NDP will be executing within the various operational sectors that it has earmarked to “uplift” SVG.

These operational sectors include fiscal policy and national debt; agriculture and fisheries; private sector development; ICT; tourism and Grenadines’ affairs; financial services; health; physical planning and the environment; crime/national security and justice; education; the youth, sports, culture; family and women’s issues; housing, energy, infrastructure; public sector reform; the diaspora, foreign affairs and the legislative programme.

Additionally, the NDP manifesto includes guidelines for the voting process, which include information about assisted voting, spoilt ballot papers and the close of poll (end of voting). (JSV/LC)