by Michael Derek Roberts

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has opened an important door by inviting ordinary Grenadians to help shape the party’s manifesto.

That is not just a political exercise. The fact is that it must be construed as a statement about who should have a voice in Grenada’s future. It’s also about “bottom-up” politics and not elitist “top-down” “we know what is best for you.”

For too long, people have felt that manifestos were written far away from the lived realities and experiences of the Grenadian communities they were meant to serve. The NDC’s call for consultations changes that. It says that farmers, teachers, young people, vendors, nurses, small business owners, and diaspora Grenadians all have a stake in the national conversation. It is a tool of transformation no less.

This is the right approach. A manifesto should not be a speech from the top down. It should be a shared roadmap built from the ground up. If the process is done well, it can produce something stronger than slogans: a real national vision grounded in the hopes and concerns of everyday people. And yes, the NDC MUST also close the loop on its 2022 manifesto and tell and show Grenadians at home and abroad what was achieved, where the government fell short, and what’s left to be done. That’s transparency.

So, it is why these consultations matter. They are not simply about politics. They are about participation, trust, and ownership. A people-driven manifesto sends a powerful message that the next five years should be guided by listening, not lecturing. In short, the NDC must make the case as to why the party should be given another term in office. This is important because the party and government will build on the foundation that it set four years ago. Real progress and real improvements in the quality of life for ALL Grenadians can only be realised with a second NDC term in office.

Grenadians at home and abroad should pay attention. This is a moment to put ideas on the table, speak honestly about what is working, and insist on priorities that improve lives. The strength of any movement is not just in its leadership but in its ability to reflect the people it serves. If the NDC can turn consultation into action, it will do more than publish a document. It will build confidence in the idea that the future of Grenada belongs to its people.

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