Post-Cabinet Statement - November 6th, 2007
~~Adz:Left~~Citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis, good evening - I bring to you the Post-Cabinet Briefing for Cabinet meeting held today Tuesday November 6, 2007.
CARNIVAL 2007-2008
Cabinet received a full update from the Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, and Culture, the Hon. Richard Skerritt, on the preparations for the 2007-2008 Carnival Season. Cabinet discussed and approved in principle, a new National Carnival Calypso Policy that is to be implemented for the upcoming season.
The objective of the policy is to provide greater integrity and transparency in the National Calypso Competition. Cabinet was of the view that events of Carnival should be protected from the manipulations of individuals and groups with corrupt motives. This policy was developed through consultation in August and September of this year with a wide array of stakeholders including calypsonians, musicians, calypso enthusiasts, calypso judges, and Carnival Committee members.
This policy will apply to the Calypso Finals, the Youth Calypso Competition, the Female Calypso Competition, the Best of the Rest Competition, and the Party Monarch. It circumscribes such issues as: the criteria for the selection of judges, the calypso elimination process, and the band accompaniment for the calypso finals.
In addition, in accordance with the National Carnival Committee Act (No. 20 of 1971), Cabinet approved the appointment of the National Carnival Committee for a one-year term.
PRICE CONTROL
In regards to Price Control, Cabinet discussed the progress with the implementation of the new Price Control Order. Members of the public are asked to take note that the effect of the new order in reducing the price of goods will be seen in a few weeks time since the Order must be gazetted and promulgated in order to take effect. This Order will regulate the price of chicken, frozen meats, fish, salted meat and meat in brine, salted fish and fish in brine, Vienna sausages, cornmeal, dried peas, cereal, butter, margarine, pasta, cheddar cheese, sardines, tuna and tinned fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, toothpaste, lards and substitutes, cooking oil, rice, toilet paper, medicated soap, powdered detergents, disposable diapers, and medications which include antihistamines, that is allergy medicines, blood pressure medicines, anti diabetic agents, miotics (Ventolin in particular), anti cholesterol drugs, and glaucoma drugs.
EMPOWERING LOCAL BUSINESSES
In keeping with Government’s policy to encourage and support the development of small, locally owned businesses, Cabinet approved duty concessions for a number of small start up and existing manufacturing and Tourism related businesses. The proposals submitted by the businesses in question are in line with the Government’s stated policy and within the parameters of the Fiscal Incentives Act and other related laws and regulations.
The Government continues to believe that the expansion of the economy is critical to enhancing the quality of life of our people and thus will maintain its policy to support small local businesses in particular, which are very important to the development of the economy.
This brings to an end the Post-Cabinet briefing for Cabinet meeting held Tuesday, November 6, 2007, I thank you.
