ST GEORGE’S, Grenada - Members of the opposition continue to express serious concerns about the rapidly increasing rate of unemployment in Grenada. Since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office, the unemployment rate has grown steadily from just over 20% in 2007 to over 40% in 2012. Leader of the opposition, Dr Keith Mitchell, said he is extremely concerned over the growing numbers of ordinary Grenadians who have been laid off from several well-established businesses across various sectors in recent weeks. This, he said, is a reflection of the terrible state of the economy, which continues to deteriorate as a consequence of the faulty economic policies of the government and its refusal to put mechanisms in place to address the country’s economic woes. According to Mitchell, the significant job losses and salary cuts in recent weeks are having far-reaching implications for many families island-wide. He said more and more families are unable to meet their financial obligations resulting in the loss of several homes, lands, and vehicles. Additionally, many are unable to provide the basic needs for their families such as food. While the opposition said it understands the need for businesses to restructure their expenses, members strongly believe that government has a responsibility to put structures in place to ensure that the environment and economic conditions are suitable for doing business. The mismanagement, political instability and faulty economic policies of the government have failed to achieve this. The opposition therefore called on the government to take urgent action to address the growing unemployment situation in Grenada since, if it continues to increase, the country will face severe social, political and economic consequences.