ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC –The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) seeking a second consecutive term in office, has accused the former New National Party (NNP) government of running up a high public debt and preventing the Tillman Thomas administration from carrying out its plans and promises made to the electorate in 2008.

Sport Minister Patrick Simmons, speaking at an NDC political rally said that the NDC government has repaid more than EC$350 million (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents) in debt inherited from the Keith Mitchell led administration.

“Because of the repayment of these debts, we find ourselves in a position where we are unable to treat and deal with issues as we will like to, it has affected our plans,” he told supporters, adding “we are unable to provide social benefits, we are unable to repair our schools and roads”.

Simmons said that the NNP, which is seeking to regain the government it lost in 2008 after 13 consecutive years in power, had backed several guarantees for loans and project that did not bring any benefits to the country.

“Increasing our national debt to almost two billion and now we have to pay, you have to pay for it,” he said, adding that the repayment of national debt was taking place during a downturn in the global economy.

He blamed the situation for the ruling administration’s ability to obtain the required support and assistance to successfully implement the plans promised during the 2008 campaign.

Grenadians vote for a new government on February 19 with the NDC and the NNP as the main frontrunners.

The two parties have been holding nightly meetings across the tri-island state hoping to take control of the 15-seat Parliament.