ST GEORGE'S, Grenada – Two opposition senators are warning Grenadians to brace themselves for tough economic measures they believe may be introduced by the New National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

Senators Clarice Modeste and Kennedy Roberts say their concerns stemmed from a recent declaration by Finance Minister Nazim Burke that his administration had inherited an empty treasury and was borrowing money from the banks to pay wages to public officers.

They have told reporters that they believe the announcement hinted at impending austerity measures aimed at reversing a revenue shortfall.

"I think that the NDC is really preparing us for the economic measures they are about to implement in the country," declared Roberts, the shadow finance minister.

"They have promised structural adjustment programmes during the campaign and I personally feel that this is the hint that they are coming with increase taxes during the coming year."

Prime Minister Tillman Thomas has blamed the country's cash crunch on reckless spending by the previous administration in the weeks leading up to the July 8 general election.

Grenada's economy has been struggling to rebound from the ravages of hurricanes Ivan and Emily which affected the country in 2004 and 2005.

(CMC)