INSIDE GRENADA THURSDAY December 20,2007 From the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ingrid Rush is a down-to-earth, strong grassroots leader who can be relied upon to defend the rights of women, young people, self-employed farmers and rural communities. She has always been a political activist and is now representing us in the Senate. Ingrid Rush believes that there is need for a more caring Government to tackle the problems that her constituents experience. These include: • Water shortages, for drinking and irrigation • The marginalization of youth, women and elderly • The dual burden women carry, which prevents them from realizing their potential She was attracted to the National Democratic Congress because of its policies and programmes which she believes can address these issues. She is strong on the need for the revival of agriculture and upgrading the quality of life of people in rural communities. She believes that the wealth of this nation lies in the land and she is committed to keep agriculture high on the national agenda. Ingrid received a college education and has had considerable training and experience in capacity building in Non-Government Organizations. She worked for several years as a Public Servant before becoming a full-time, self-employed farmer. She has seen the farming community devastated by successive hurricanes with limited support from Government. At the same time the costs of agriculture inputs have increased. She believes that agriculture has now reached crisis point with farmers losing hope. Ingrid is the mother of 5 children ranging in age from 16 to 30 years. She therefore has personal experience of the plight of youth. She believes that a massive education and training programme is necessary to bring young people back into the mainstream of society. She also believes that young people need real jobs. She believes that any “Youth Employment Programme” should offer young people work experience, avenues for self development through on-the job- training, promotion opportunities and job security. Under the NDC young people will have genuine opportunities to progress and find decent employment. Ingrid wants to bring to the North East St. Andrew’s a representation that is unselfish, honorable and honest. With her undaunted faith in God, Ingrid wants to make a special appeal to the nation, especially to the young people, women and farmers to rally around the NDC if they want to see peace, prosperity and progress return to Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.