In pursuance of the commitment to meet on a regular basis, the two cabinets convened under the Chairmanship of the Hon. Joseph Parry, Premier of Nevis at the Mt. Nevis Hotel today, Friday 27th July 2007.
In delivering opening remarks both the Hon Premier and the Hon Prime Minister agreed that much progress had been made since the first joint Cabinets meeting in October, 2006.
Cabinets received reports from established committees namely: -
Devolution
National Security
Ministries of Finance
The Devolution Committee reported that they are awaiting input from the Bar Association with regards to Section 106 of the Constitution that will give the Nevis Island Administration greater legislative authority over matters which the Administration has exclusive responsibility. ~~Adz:Right~~
The Ministries of Finance reaffirmed their commitment to working closely together to harmonise their economic policies especially with regards to fiscal stabilization and debt management issues.
A number of Administrative matters came up for discussion for example customs issues, new Pension Scheme and Economic citizenship.
The Cabinets also heard from the National Security Committee. Both Premier and Minister of National Security gave full details on the crime situation in the Federation. The joint Cabinets were updated on a number of strategic programmes ongoing in both Nevis and St. Kitts. The meeting expressed full support for the security forces and urge the general public to lend their support as we seek to make our Federation a safe place to live and conduct business.
The meeting was also updated on the electoral reform process which is presently ongoing. The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee, Hon Sam Condor informed the meeting that the political parties represented in the National Assembly have been invited to make submissions on the National Advisory Electoral Reform & Boundaries Report, in order to complete the consultative process to inform the new electoral law. That committee is expected to meet on the 8th of August 2007.
The meeting was frank, cordial and sought to advance good working relationship between the Federal Government and the Nevis Island Administration and by extension the people on both islands.
