The NDC was born out of a desire for fairness and inclusion in the political process. In 1987, the New National Party (NNP) administration, under the leadership of Herbert A. Blaize presented a retrenchment bill before parliament without discussions with the relevant stakeholders. During the debate, Hon. George Brizan and Hon. Francis Alexis, both senior ministers in Government, opposed the bill. Following their presentations, Prime Minister Herbert A. Blaize asked them to apologize to the nation for the position that they took, or else they would have to resign. They opted to resign, along with Junior Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas. Following their resignations, a press conference was held, and a series of public meetings were also held throughout the state of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

The first public meeting was held close to the St. Paul’s Police Station and chaired by the late Michael Andrew. Michael Andrew, along with Phinsley St. Louis and Kenny Lalsingh, who had previously resigned from the NNP administration, joined the team to chart the way forward. Keith Clouden and the late Jim Henry Massie were also key players in organizing these meetings. The National Democratic Congress was officially launched as a political party in October 1987 with Hon. George Brizan as its leader.