BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CIC) has no definitive word on whether or not there will be a National Consultation on the Economy this year, even though representatives of the private sector body are expected to meet with Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris.
Generally, the National Consultation on the Economy is used by the government as a step to garner feedback from key stakeholders on a number of areas of concern, as they head into planning annual budgets.
The Consultation is usually held in September, however, the Federation, like many other Eastern Caribbean countries, was affected by the passage of two hurricanes – Irma and Maria.
Last evening (Oct., 22) at the Latin Festival, President of the CIC, Jose Rosa told reporters that he is not sure if that event would be held this year.
“This is something that we at the Chamber discussed. I discussed it with the Deputy Director about the consultation that we usually have [and] we haven’t heard anything about it. We believe in that process; believe that process.”
Rosa recommended that a longer process be used by the government and private sector, something that could not be done this year, but something he wants to see implemented in 2018.
He however speculated that the September’s disruption could have been the cause of not having the discourse.
The CIC President disclosed that his priority areas for the 2018 Budget would be to take into account what happened during the recent hurricanes.
“I think that what happened in the last few months with the hurricane should change the way we see the Caribbean. First, we need to have a good prepared plan and also to make sure that we respond fast for the country.”
The Opposition St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party has criticized the government for not giving any indication on whether or not the meeting would be held – as the Estimates Committee has already met to submit their numbers to be included in the 2018 Budget.
