ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, October 12th — Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has renewed his criticism of the opposition New National Party’s cost-of-living proposals, arguing that governing the country requires more than tax relief and campaign promises.

As the November 5 general election approaches, Mitchell challenged the NNP’s emphasis on immediate relief, led by Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre, saying political leaders must also explain their long-term vision for Grenada.

“You think running a country is only talking about cost of living?” he asked during a public meeting in Carriacou Sunday night.

“You must have a vision for where you want to take the country, and you, me, us must be part of that vision.”

Mitchell said leadership was not simply “standing on the microphone and talking and sweet-talking and making promises,” and urged voters to examine the record.

The NNP has promised to raise the monthly personal income tax threshold from EC$3,000 to EC$6,000, remove VAT on electricity and sugar, abolish the water levy and exempt tips, gratuities and bonuses from tax.

Pierre’s subsequent announcements included a proposed corporate tax cut from 28 to 25 percent, expanded student assistance, and improved night and weekend transportation. She promised to explain how the party would finance the package at its manifesto launch.

Mitchell previously challenged the opposition’s proposals during his election-date announcement, questioning promises to remove VAT from items he said were already zero-rated.

“If something doesn’t have VAT on it, you cannot remove the VAT from it,” he said then, warning that “the country has to run on taxes.”

In his latest remarks, Mitchell also targeted the NNP’s St. Mark candidate Dr.Myanna Charles, whom he described as a doctor at St. George’s University and part of a team opposing Project Polaris.

Dr. Charles has publicly said she is not opposed to building a brand-new hospital but is among those questioning how the current administration is handling the project.

Defending the proposed hospital, Mitchell asked: “If we do not build this hospital today, where will Grenada’s healthcare be 15 or 20 years from now?”

He said a modern facility would also help retain doctors and nurses trained at considerable public expense.

“It is time that we keep some of them in Grenada,” he said, pledging to advance the project if the governing National Democratic Congress retains office.