Nevis to become less dependent on external economic influences
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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Premier Joseph Parry
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CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - PREMIER Joseph Parry and his Nevis Reformation Party (NRP)-led government have announced that in 2009 they would be placing greater emphasis on ensuring Nevis is less dependent on external economic forces.
According to a press release circulated yesterday (Jan. 5) by the Premier’s Press Secretary, Deli Caines Bussue, the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) plans to accomplish this with through tax collection, investment in agriculture, geothermal energy resource, exploration and development.
During the Premier’s 2009 New Year’s Message, he urged all banking, financial institutions and telecommunications companies on Nevis to pay the island’s share of taxes to the Nevis Treasury in 2009.
“We anticipate that by the end of 2009 all banking and financial institutions which make a profit by doing business on the island of Nevis will return what is due to the people of Nevis,” he said.
The Premier declared that he appreciates the great service LIME (formerly Cable & Wireless) has given to the people of Nevis. He also declared that the government has been having discussions with the telecommunications company to pay its share of taxes due to the island, a development which would bring growth to the Treasury and greater financial independence to Nevis. ~~Adz:Right~~
The Premier commended the Ministry of Finance for doing a great job in 2008. He also declared that property taxes would now be paid by some expatriate home owners for the first time in the history of Nevis.
In addressing agriculture for 2009, Premier Parry said he anticipates a continued growth in food and meat production and the resurgence of the Cotton Industry.
“We also anticipate the re-emergence of the Fisheries Division and the development of agro-processed food as we bring the small agro-processing plant into production.”
On the issue of geothermal energy resource development, he stated that by the end of January, 2009 the terms and conditions of a contractual agreement with the geothermal exploration company, West Indies Power, would be made public.
Royalties for the government, equity participation of government, profit sharing and a fund to finance education, health and youth affairs on Nevis are some of the areas included in the agreement.
With a view to provide Nevis with geothermal power in the first part of 2010, the Premier said the first geothermal plant would be constructed later this year.
Premier Parry also assured the people of Nevis that in spite of expected and perceived difficulties during the year, the island would triumph.
“I am confident that we will overcome whatever hurdles we face during the course of this year, and by the year’s end we would be stronger, healthier and even in a better position economically,” he said.
