BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 23RD 2006 - The Annual National Consultation on the Economy of St. Kitts and Nevis will be held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.
The all-day consultation at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort to be attended by 200 delegates drawn from the private sector, community groups, sports organisations, small businesses,
public corporations, political parties and unions, will meet at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort under the theme "Empowerment, Transformation - Securing our Future."
The consultation on the economy, which is in keeping with the policy of the Denzil Douglas Labour Party Administration, to discuss ~~Adz:Right~~matters of national importance, is geared towards facilitating a comprehensive consultative process between the private sector,
civil society and the public sector for the sharing of perspectives and recommendations on the economy prior to the presentation of the annual Budget Session of the National Assembly.
Financial Secretary Mrs. Janet Harris said that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has benefited tremendously from the contributions and recommendations received from the economic and social partners over the years.
"Their guidance has ensured the attainment of productive, growing and sustainable economy despite our vulnerability and numerous challenges including the transition from sugar production and escalating oil prices.
The Government remains fully committed to the principles of prudent fiscal planning, sound financial management and accountability and a comprehensive debt management strategy," said Mrs. Harris.
She said that the commitment and efforts of all stakeholders are critical for the empowerment of the people and the successful transformation of the economy.
The National Consultation starts at 9 'o' clock on Wednesday morning and includes a presentation by President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Anthony Abourizk and the Feature Address by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas.
Invitations to the one day consultation have been sent to the St. Kitts Christian Council, the St. Kitts Medical Association, the St. Kitts Evangelical Association, the St. Kitts Manufacturers Association, the National Olympic Committee,
~~Adz:Right~~the St. Kitts and Nevis Building Contractors Association, the St. Kitts Economic Society, the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union, the St. Kitts Taxi Association, the St. Kitts Teachers Union, the Professional Accounting Association, the St. Kitts Craft Vendors Association, the Returning Nationals Association, the Peoplels Action Movement and the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party.
Representatives from commercial banks, taxi operators, bus drivers, farmers, nurses and service organisations such as the Rotary Clubs, the Youth Parliamentarians, and the Business and Professional Women's Club are also expected to attend.
Statutory bodies and private companies invited include CONTEC, Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis, Delisle Walwyn & Co. Ltd, the National Carnival Committee, the National Housing Corporation, Cricket World Cup 2007 (St. Kitts) Ltd, Urban Development Corporation, St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority, ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation, St. Kitts Tourism Authority, RAMS Group of Companies, Police Credit Union, the Central Marketing Corporation, the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), Cable & Wireless, The Cable, S.L. Horsfords & Co. Ltd, TDC Group of Companies, the St. Kitts Scenic Railway.
The Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority, the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society, the Bank of Nevis, the Nevis Credit Union, Reliable Motors and Carib World Travel.
All media houses have also been invited to attend.
