Federation made smooth transition from sugar, says Finance Minister

By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – During his first presentation of the federal budget since taking the mantle of Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris has declared that through efforts made by his government, the nation has made a smooth transition from an economy based solely on sugar production to one on services.

“It is clear that our Public Sector Investment Programme has targeted projects that have contributed to growth and economic expansion.

In fact, our expansive programme of infrastructural development including road construction, the expansion of water and electricity supply, telecommunications development, and port expansion has not only attracted more tourists to our shores but it also offers greater convenience to our people as they go about their business.”

He referenced Port Zante and the Southeast Peninsular Road, once considered to be “just a barren piece of land jutting out into the ocean” and “a highway to nowhere”, and noted that they were able to attract great infrastructural development.

He added that Port Zante has since been able to attract the newest and best cruise ships including Queen Mary and Celebrity Cruise Lines, making the country “one of the preferred Caribbean destinations” while providing employment for many locals. He further stated that development projects such as Tom Fazio Golf Course, a marina village, a Mandarin Hotel, a Ritz Carlton Hotel and Dolphin

Park are among a range of villa and condominium projects constructed to develop the area. “Our substantial investments in airport security, the resurfacing of the runway and the creation of additional parking space for jets, have contributed immeasurably to the feasibility of many of the tourism-related projects on the Southeast Peninsula and throughout our Federation.

The Robert L Bradshaw International Airport now boasts scheduled international flights directly from Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, and New York; and we look forward to the commencement of direct flights from London through the operations of British Airways in January 2009.~~Adz:Right~~

“In view of these creative initiatives, it is not surprising that we have been transitioning out of sugar over the past three years without encountering any contraction in National Income in any of those three years.

Of course, we will continue to monitor the progress of the former sugar workers and lend them a helping hand where necessary but we are proud that the majority of them have moved into other sectors of the economy and have secured new income earning opportunities for themselves,” Harris said.

Dr. Harris stated that through the government’s assistance, former sugar workers have been able to cope with the challenges associated with the loss of the sugar industry, and indicated that it reflects the resilience and strength of the people.

“The evidence of the nation’s progress and positive growth toward sustainable development are seen and felt throughout the Federation to serve present and future generations.”