The main Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) recently launched its 2017-30 policy agenda telling supporters that the document should not be viewed as a manifesto as it prepares for the next general election, constitutionally due in 2018. “I must hasten to say, that it is not our manifesto. This policy agenda defines the broad goals and objectives of our party and is intended, primarily, as a guide for decision making, although there are some specific programmatic proposals stated,” said NDC leader Nazim Burke. “Our manifesto, when it comes, will properly detail our plans, programmes and projects which we intend to implement,” he added. Burke, who was introduced to supporters by former prime minister and political leader, Tillman Thomas, said that the policy agenda incorporates “our vision, our 12 core principles, our political philosophy, our belief in self-reliance and our commitment to transform Grenada”. He said that the other core principles of the policy include acknowledging the supremacy of God; demonstrating a high level of personal integrity; securing Grenada’s economic and social development; putting people first; empowering the youth as well as protecting the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged. Burke described the policy agenda as a mixture of principles and policies intended to achieve social cohesion and economic transformation of the Grenadian society. “Altogether, in this policy agenda we have addressed 26 different areas of public policy which we believe speak to the aspirations, wishes, needs and circumstances of our people,” he said. The party used the occasion to unveil its rebranded logo and symbol. NDC Chairman Vincent Roberts said that the new logo is to signal the new approach of the party as it presents itself as a credible alternative to the Government. “The logo now incorporates the three national colours, red, gold and green. This inclusion of the national colours is a break with the colour divide in our country and is something the people asked for. “We have heard your call, and as our party leader said: “We are prepared to demonstrate, in word and deed, that there is a place for every Grenadian on this journey and that no one will be left behind,” Roberts said. He said the new branding also signals a departure from the past and the embracing of new attitudes, different approaches, new thinking, the application of new methodologies and the indication of a new hope and a new level of tolerance among us all. The presentation of the policy comes weeks after the party admitted that three political strategists from Jamaica, who are associated with the Opposition People’s National Party there, were providing guidance as part of the preparation process, as the party gets ready to contest the next general election which is constitutionally due in early 2018. “We are seeking their opinion on their assessment of our systems and what they consider our level of preparedness. We have agreed to have frank dialogue with them and to give them access to our systems and process procedures, so it can assist in making that determination,” Roberts told a news conference late last month. Source: ja observer