December 21, 2015 -- The 2016 Budget debate continues today in the Federal Parliament with presentations from government and opposition members.
Last Tuesday (December 15) Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, laid on the table of the National Assembly the estimates for the 2016 financial year and moved reading of the Bill shortly entitled the Appropriation Act (2016), 2015.
Following are highlights from the Prime Minister’s address on the policies and priorities of the Team Unity administration (going forward) under the theme, “Changing Lives – A Fresh Start Towards Sustainable Development, Growth and Prosperity”:
• The Office of the Attorney General will review existing policies and legislation and make proposals for the strengthening of the Consumer Affairs Act (2003) and supporting regulations. This will serve to address the issue of price gouging by businesses, to enhance consumer protection;
• The SIDF will be transformed to bring accountability, transparency and enhanced financial prudence in relation to investment of public resources;
• Geothermal energy exploration will continue in an effort to expand the overall renewable energy resources of the Federation. In addition to the initiative in Nevis, exploration activities will take place in St. Kitts in the Sandy Point area as part of the first phase. Construction, operationalization and commissioning of the power plant is expected by 2020;
• Government is in the final stage of negotiations with North Star (St. Kitts) Limited for the commencement of work on a wind energy development project;
• Additional plans and activities will be developed and implemented in 2016 to ensure increased reliability of water supply. These include (i) the ongoing well drilling programme; (ii) consideration for the repositioning of a number of existing wells closer to the source of the supply of water for the Basseterre Valley Aquifer; (iii) stricter enforcement of the protection of aquifer and watershed resources; (iv) construction of new reservoirs in water stressed areas and new communities; (v) exploration of the feasibility of a desalinization plant;
• The Land Registry modernization programme will begin in 2016 in an effort to improve the efficiency of processing property registration documents and other land related matters;
• Government is negotiating further support from the Government of Venezuela to meet the overwhelming demand for financing of micro, small and medium sized businesses under the popular Fresh Start programme managed by the Development Bank;
• Government will expand the (NHC-managed) Fresh Start and Prosperity Agenda housing assistance programme targeted at the most vulnerable in our society including the elderly and individuals living in poverty. Through this initiative, persons can access a $10,000 grant to improve their living conditions;
• In January 2016, Civil Servants, Auxiliary Workers and Pensioners will receive an increase in personal emoluments, wages and retiring benefits of 3%. Increased risk pay will be paid to the Police, Prison, Defense Force, Coast Guard, Fire and Rescue Services. Further, additional resources have been provided to support payment of a special allowance to the security forces;
• The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Posts, Urban Development and Transport will aggressively promote “Green Growth” through the development of renewable energy in the areas of wind, solar and geothermal. Resources will be allocated to establish an Energy Unit and an Urban Development Unit within the Ministry. In the area of transport, the Ministry will embark on the construction of an East Line Bus Terminal and the upgrade of the Ferry and West Line Bus Terminals to provide a more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable environment for persons who utilize the public transportation system;
• The Ministry of Education will complete work on a new Education Sector Strategic Plan and commence the implementation of a TVET Development Project in collaboration with the CDB. The Ministry will also increase its focus on maintenance and upgrade of schools and other educational institutions and commence the construction of the new Basseterre High School;
• The Ministry of Health will establish a new Oncology Unit at the JNF Hospital and implement a number of information technology solutions to various activities at the hospital, health centres and government pharmacies;
• The Office of the Attorney General will lead the Government’s efforts in regards to electoral reform. Particular attention will be paid to hosting consultations with stakeholders and the upgrade of both hardware and software in the Electoral Office to ensure enhanced security, reliability and efficiency of service.
Parliament is expected to pass the Appropriation Act (2016), 2015 shortly after Prime Minister Harris wraps up the debate later today.
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