ST GEORGE'S (AP):

The eastern Caribbean island of Grenada is holding parliamentary elections for the first time in nearly five years as it struggles to emerge from an economic crisis.

Prime Minister Tillman Thomas of the National Democratic Congress is seeking a second term. His party pledges to boost tourism, agriculture and the renewable energy sector. Former Prime Minister Keith Mitchell of the New National Party is promising to create new jobs on an island struggling with a 30 per cent unemployment rate.

More than 62,000 of the island's nearly 110,000 inhabitants are registered to vote.

Long lines were already reported early yesterday as voters chose candidates for 15 seats of the 28-seat bicameral Parliament. Legislators for the remaining 13 seats are appointed by the ruling and opposition parties.