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| (left to right), Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency John Liu; Turkey's Honorary Consul in St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Michael Morton; OAS Director in St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Starret Greene and Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Venezuela to St. Kitts and Nevis, Her Excellency Miriam Troconiz were among the visiting local and visiting Diplomatic and Consular Corps at Tuesday's Independence Parade at the Warner Park Stadium. |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 20TH 2006 - The St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Government of Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas will continue the fiscal improvement programmes aimed at increasing collection of revenue and reducing public expenditure, while focusing on key areas of public sector commitments.
Prime Minister Douglas reiterated his Government's policy during an address to the Nation to mark the 23rd Independence Anniversary on Tuesday.
Listing several key areas that will chart the way forward, Dr. Douglas said his Government is committed to increase prospects for local and foreign capital investment projects, especially in the areas of financial services, large quality-oriented tourism projects, small business enterprises inclusive of craft and agro-based projects, as well as information-based enterprises.
He said Government would also pursue the housing development programmes for former sugar workers as well as low and middle-income earners, especially public servants.
Government will also pursue initiatives in the context of sustainable development, involving key stakeholders in relevant areas, and in the context of securing economic advantage in key segments of the local economy; increase attention to environmental matters aimed at reducing degradation, and for the purpose of supporting the tourism product and the enhancement of the quality of life of all citizens and residents.
"(My Government) will continued fine-tuning of the education curricula of primary, secondary and tertiary levels to ensure that they are relevant and address perceivable needs of our developing nation, especially within the skilled services sector and enhancing awareness and education relative to chronic non-communicable diseases, HIV/AIDS, and the promotion of health and fitness programmes among our entire population," said Dr. Douglas.
He said the internal security issues that help to enhance the social environment, as well as the environment for business will be addressed and in this regard, a comprehensive strategic plan is presently being implemented to address the myriad of practical issues that are of concern to the security forces, with regard to their conditions of service; and also to address the concerns of the public with regard to the quality of service performance, professionalism and productivity of the security forces in providing timely reliable, efficient and effective services to the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis.
~~Adz:Right~~Prime Minister Douglas said Government will begin the process of consultation, which would realise its commitment for a new Pensions Act that, would among other things, "empower and improve the Non-established workers of the Public Service and we will continue the wide public consultation that will lead to Electoral Reform and the enhancement of our democratic processes in the Federation."
He said that as the Federation celebrates the 23rd Anniversary of Independence, "we cannot forget to express our thanks and appreciation to the many persons who have worked diligently in various capacities to bring about a better community and national experience for all of us."
