ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

The Grenada government says it will spend nearly $1 million (one EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) in providing assistance to needy students to attend primary school, while the main opposition National Democratic Congress has vowed that it would not abandon a controversial internship programme for school leavers if it is successful at the next general election.

A government statement said that distribution of vouchers under Grenada's Primary School Financial Assistance Programme began on Monday and would continue until today.

It said the programme, which is geared to assist the neediest students by "providing assistance in the form of uniforms, books, and other necessities", is now being financed wholly by the government.

"The programme which was initiated a decade ago with support from friendly governments continues to be a beacon of hope for parents who are unable to provide the tools for their children to learn," the statement said, noting that this year, the Keith Mitchell administration intends to spend EC$950,000 (US$351,851).