While the date for the 2018 General Election, now carded for March 13th, was being announced, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was converged on the Carenage making its bid to be elected to form the next government.

Female newcomer to frontline politics, Claudette Joseph, a lawyer by profession, was officially endorsed on Sunday as the candidate for the Town of St George.

But taking the podium the Political Leader of the NDC, Nazim Burke, took issue with the manner in which its political rival – the New National Party (NNP) – is handling national issues.

Burke told supporters that Dr Keith Mitchell, the Prime Minister and Leader of the NNP, is trivialising the issues affecting the Grenadian people.

“When there are real and genuine issues, burning issues affecting our people; when thousands and thousands of young people can’t find no jobs; when 52 out of every 100 young people in our country are willing to work, able to work, looking for work but cannot find work; when our health system has collapsed and people are dying in our hospitals; When the thousands of people who suffer from dialysis can get no proper care, Sisters and Brothers; when our young women are still dying in childbirth at a time when 90 years ago this problem was solved by humanity; at a time, Sisters and Brothers, when taxes are choking our nation; instead of addressing these real and burning issues, our prime minister is going on stage and wining as a bugs-bunny,’’ Burke said.

“At a time when our country is crying out for leadership, he’s wining down the place,’’ he added. “Sisters and Brothers, wining cannot solve the problems of our nation. At a time when we should be talking about the issues, debating the issues, they jumping around with half-naked women, wining up and have bikers wining up; and they jumping around with all kind of Vekou and Shortknee and all kind of Moko Jumbies, instead of addressing the real issues.’’

Burke says the NNP has run out of steam to lead the Grenadian people. He is convinced that the NDC has what it takes to lead the country.

“This is not a crime, Brothers and Sisters; it’s a statement of conviction. Because, after watching and listening and observing the New National Party over the last 22 years in government, I have come to the conclusion that this party has run out of steam, has run out of ideas and has nothing new to offer our country at this time,” Burke told the gathering.

He warned supporters that this upcoming general election is about the future and not about the past.

He called on the Grenadian people to demand more of their leaders as they campaign, and to not allow themselves to be fooled by any politician.

Burke also appealed to them to be vigilant against political interference in the electoral system. He urged the Grenadian leader to call in the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Commonwealth Secretariat to judge the conduct of the election.

“As to ensure, Sisters and Brothers, that they don’t thief the election at the end of the day,” Burke said, “we want to call on the prime minister tonight to invite the international bodies to come to Grenada to ensure that we have a free and fair election.”

Burke said he is convinced that the ruling administration is prepared to win the elections by any means necessary, claiming that the signs of a “dirty war during the campaign are already being seen’’.

He also alluded to allegations of bribery and hand-outs in exchange of votes. He cautioned supporters to not accept bribes for their votes.

The NDC Leader says in a matter of days the party’s Manifesto will be laid out for the Grenadian people to see their plans for the country if elected to form the next government.

In reference to March 13 – the date when Grenadians will go to the polls – the NDC Leader referred to it as “liberation day’’, a term used in the 2013 General Election. The date picked by the prime minister, said Burke, is rather interesting as it marked a “revolution against corruption’’.

He said this must be seen as the “beginning of the march to freedom’’.