ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, October 11th — Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre has promised to cut corporate tax from 28 to 25 percent, provide free transportation for students who need assistance, and expand night and weekend bus services if her New National Party (NNP) wins the November 5 general election.

The proposals formed part of a fresh relief package unveiled Sunday night at the National Stadium during the “Better Grenada” rally, the party’s first rally since its campaign ahead of the June 2022 general election.

Pierre said the business tax reduction would give companies more room to expand, stimulate the economy and create employment.

“We want to be a partner with our business community,” she said, pledging cooperation towards national and economic development.

For students, she promised free tuition, plus transportation, meal, and uniform assistance, arguing that tuition relief alone was insufficient when children could not afford to get to school.

“We’re going to work with the Bus Association, and we are going to find a formula together so that we can run a proper pilot project for free transportation for students who need that support,” Pierre said.

The proposed partnership with the National Bus Association would also address transportation difficulties facing workers, particularly those traveling home after late shifts.

Pierre pledged to strengthen “safe, reliable, and dependable transportation at nights and on weekends,” saying inadequate services should not prevent rural residents from accepting hotel jobs in St. George’s.

Other proposals included a medical card providing free doctor visits and basic prescription medication, solar farms across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and a dedicated fund to assist farmers affected by praedial larceny.

She also promised to work with the National Insurance Scheme to let workers retire between 60 and 65.

“We’re not going to force them to stay up to 65,” she said.

The announcements build on last week’s opposition relief package, including a proposed increase in the monthly personal income tax threshold from EC$3,000 to EC$6,000, removal of VAT on electricity and sugar, abolition of the water levy and tax exemptions for tips, gratuities and bonuses.

With tax cuts reducing government revenue and expanded assistance requiring funding, Pierre promised to explain the financing at the forthcoming manifesto launch.

“When we launch the manifesto, we will tell you how we intend to fund the Better Grenada plan,” she said.

She also pledged to accelerate oil and gas exploration and development, saying the sector should deliver benefits throughout the country.