ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

Leader of the Opposition Tillman Thomas wants Grenadians to dedicate 2008 as the year of 'faith and worship'.

"We must bruise our knees in constant prayer if we are to achieve the promise of better times for Grenada.it is only by this means that we can leave behind the gripping fear brought about by the unprecedented level of gang violence in 2007," the Opposition Leader said in his New Year's message.

Insisting that 2008 is the time when the country should close the chapter on corruption, victimisation, recklessness and mismanagement, Thomas said that good governance, respect for the rule of law and accountability must take their place in national life.

Record of disgrace, shame

"We must leave behind the record of disgrace and shame that has afflicted our nation from one scandal to the next. The time is here when we must stand with pride and a resurgent patriotism to rebuild our country," he said in the address which appeared in local newspapers and aired on television.

Referring specifically to casino gambling and gay cruises, Thomas said that for the New Year no one should be called upon to make a choice between money and morality.

"It is the Lord who provides and he will certainly not provide for our needs through gay cruises and casino gambling. Our dollar must not come from drug trafficking, bribery or theft. Our bread must come form our sweat by working with dignity," he said while calling for progress to occur through social and spiritual change and by pursuing clean economic opportunities.