Over 200 persons to participate in 2008 National Consultation on the Economy

Headtable at the 2007 National Consultation on the Economy (Photo by Erasmus Williams)

The exercise in good governance, transparency and accountability by the ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration is in preparation for the annual presentation of the budget in December and will this year will be held around the theme “External Shocks and Changes in the International Environment – Our Analysis and Response” on Thursday 14th August at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino.

 Following the opening prayer by Father Isaiah Phillip of the St. Kitts Christian Council, the newly-appointed Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris will give the welcome address and President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Mark Wilkin will make a presentation.

Premier of Nevis, Hon. Joseph Parry will deliver remarks while St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas will give the Feature Address.

Financial Consultant, His Excellency Ambassador Wendell Lawrence will give an overview on the major financial issues, which will be followed by presentations on the cost of living matters from the Ministries of Housing, Agriculture and Fisheries; Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Finance.

There will also be presentations on Economic, Fiscal and Debt Issues by representatives from the Ministries of Financial and Sustainable Development and the Debt consultant.  ~~Adz:Right~~

Stakeholders will also be updated on current issues such as the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Mutual Evaluation Assessment; Challenges and opportunities for Tourism Development and safety and security issues.

Te principal objective of the consultations is to facilitate comprehensive examination of the challenges facing the economy with a view to developing recommendations in preparation for the fiscal year 2009 Strategic Planning Process.

 In its adherence of good governance and transparency, Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas over the past several years has held national consultations on the economy bringing together individuals from the public sector, the business sector, the clergy, the educational fraternity, the diplomatic corps, youth organizations, political organizations, and many other sectors of society to discuss and make recommendations for the improvement of the St. Kitts and Nevis economy.