A higher level of government stipend to the elderly, and finalizing the outstanding issue of public workers' pension, have been identified as two of the more immediate matters that will be addressed by a Grenada government of the National Democratic Congress.

Economist Nazim Burke, NDC Public Relations Officer and the candidate for St. George North East, says the first step in trying to end poverty and destitution among the elderly is raising the government's poor relief contribution.

He pledged that an NDC government, led by Tillman Thomas as Prime Minister, will raise the poor relief contribution from its current level of $150 to $400.

"It is our responsibility to take care of the elderly,'' said Burke.

He added that the NDC is also interested in embracing  teachers, nurses, police officers and other public workers, who have "served at great sacrifice'' and whose contribution to our society must be recognized.

Burke said that in 1996, the New National Party administration of Prime Minister Keith Mitchell established a committee to examine the public servants' pension issue.  The matter is still pending 12 years later. Burke, who is also a lawyer, promised that an NDC government will have it resolved speedily.

"Within 100 days of coming into office,'' said Burke, "an NDC government will convene a special consultation with all affected workers under the guidance of a consultant from the Caribbean that we already identified.  Within 12 months in office this problem will be solved once and for all.  And that is the pledge we make to you.''