The Grenada government will be engaging in economic activities in the new year that would help the country ride out the current downturn in the world's economy, says a senior member of the National Democratic Congress administration. Finance and Planning Minister Nazim Burke is also confident that the government's action, which would be outlined in the 2009 budget, will position Grenada to benefit when the global economy rebounds. "There are two things that we must be doing at the moment,'' Burke said. "One, we must ensure that we do not lose any gains that we've made to date. We need to consolidate our position. And secondly, we need to engage in economic activities that would position us so that when the world's economy goes into the upswing, we are best positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves.'' Burke, who is the point man in the preparation of the 2009 budget, said planning and preparatory meetings with trade unions, private sector and community groups, civil society and other stakeholders have produced "some excellent proposals.'' Some of the proposals, he said, will be incorporated into the final budget to be tabled in parliament. The Finance Minister said among the focus of the government in 2009 will be on maintaining and creating jobs for the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. "Consolidating and positioning in terms of the tourist industry and in terms of agriculture are really where we are focusing to ensure that when the upswing comes, we are ready to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves,'' said Mr. Burke. "It is a very difficult time but it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.'' Inside Grenada news