The opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) says that should they be elected to office in the upcoming general elections, they will create the environment that increase opportunities for every Vincentian youth to become a millionaire by age 30.
This promise was advanced by the party’s public relations officer, Lavern King as she addressed the party’s political rally at Sion Hill last Saturday night.
The rally marked the re-launch of the party’s East Kingstown constituency office.
King said that the NDP understands the frustrations of the private sector, and, under the leadership of Dr Godwin Friday, an NDP government will create a ministry to deal specifically with the private sector.
“I want to let you know that your party is a listening party, a party that understands the aspirations of our young people. Dr. Friday understands the need to create an environment where not a selected few, but every Vincentian has the chance of earning their first million dollars by 30,” King told the rally.
Hailing it as “good news for the Vincentian people, particularly the youth, King said the creation of such ministry will be “a testament to the commitment of the New Democratic Party to support a private sector-driven economy,” unlike the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) which she says has archaic and outdated practices, and have failed the private sector.
“We in the New Democratic Party recognize that sustainable development hinges on empowering local entrepreneurs and business owners of every level, and we also recognize that this must include attracting foreign investment,” she said, noting that the ministry’s establishment is pivotal in making steps towards “transforming the business environment into one that is more dynamic, accessible, and competitive.”
King used her own experience to drive home the point.
She said she left this country to pursue studies. When she returned, having obtained her first degree, she was unable to find employment under the current administration. She went back overseas to further her studies, obtaining her Masters only to return home again and still unable to find employment.
“But the New Democratic Party gave me a home and a place to flourish. And ladies and gentlemen, that is good news for young people. One of the things that I have been able to do is, notwithstanding getting a formal job in the private sector, I started a business.
“So I’m a businesswoman. And that is why I am happy to be delivering the news to you that this New Democratic Party will be introducing a ministry of the private sector. Ladies and gentlemen, that is good news for those of you who are into business ownership,” King said.
According to the NDP’s PRO, the private sector ministry will take products from living room tables to local supermarket shelves and on to chain supermarkets across Europe and America.
“This is the New Democratic Party that will do more for your small business. The ministry’s aim is to serve as a catalyst for the private sector growth by simplifying and streamlining the process of doing business across the country. Whether it’s a local startup or an international investor, the ministry is dedicated to creating an enabling environment where business can thrive with fewer bureaucratic hurdles and greater access to resources and support,” King said.
King said the ministry will allow business to do what they do best, “which is creating new and innovative products and provide thousands of new jobs across a range of industries.” She said such focus aligns with “broader economic goal of diversification, job creation, and increased economic resilience.”
King noted that at the helm of the NDP leadership, particularly the candidates, are business people, including Major St Clair Leacock, senator Israel Bruce, Dr Kishore Shallow and Dr Godwin Friday.
