NDP Party leader Dr Godwin Friday in a wide-ranging national address last week has charged the Gonsalves-led government with complacency. In a rebuttal to the Prime Minister’s address the night before, Dr Friday was adamant that the “choice in this election is stark and very clear.”
He said:
“This is a once in a generation opportunity for change and better tomorrow. The choice is this, more broken promises, complacency and self-interest from the ULP or a new beginning, a plan for jobs and growth and a better future under the NDP.”
“The problem before us is this, at present there is no plan from the ULP government to lay the foundations for future success. This is a dereliction of duty and confirmation that they take the Vincentian people for granted.”
He chastised the administration for lack of economic opportunities over the past 20 years evidenced by the large number of people who leave for Canada, USA, UK and other Caribbean countries.
He says that people can point out to people they know who have left the country and make a living and pursue careers elsewhere.
“This is a loss of talent, to us and leaves our country in equipped to grow our economy and prepare for the future. What have we seen? Our cost of living has been rising and it is hard to make ends meet. Our people need jobs and incomes to look after their families. There is serious concern as to what the future holds and what the prospects are for us.”
He says it is not difficult to see the problems created by the ULP administration. He added:
“You can see it in the failure to deliver jobs for young people with nearly half of the out of work, there is a clear choice in this election. You can vote for more of the same with the ULP or you can vote for a better future for your families with the NDP.”
“Because there is a real alternative, it is time for change and time to give me and my team in the NDP. The opportunity to plant the seeds for a better future for you and your family. Our country now urgently needs the biggest job creation program it has ever seen to prevent the worst unemployment crisis we have ever seen. This is why change is so important.”