Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS): The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis successfully hosted the final session of its community consultations series on the 2024 Budget on Thursday, November 02, at the Old Road Community Center.
This series, part of the government’s commitment to an inclusive and participatory budgetary process, allowed members of the public to engage with officials and voice their opinions on policies and programmes for the upcoming financial year.
Themed “Marching Forward on the Journey to a Sustainable Island State”, these consultations provided an opportunity for a meaningful exchange of ideas aimed at shaping a resilient and sustainable future for the Federation.
Officials who presented at the consultation included Nerissa Williams, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment; Vanroy Agard, a Statistician from the Ministry of Sustainable Development; Mrs. Versilie Francis, Director of Fiscal Affairs and Policy Unit of the Ministry of Finance, and Economist Melicia Henry from the Ministry of Economic Development and Investment.
This event marked the conclusion of the consultation series for 2023. Previous sessions were held with the youth at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on October 11, and at the Lodge/Ottleys Community Center on October 31. These consultations provided a platform for citizens and residents, both locally and in the diaspora, to actively participate in the nation’s budgetary process.
At each session, attendees were encouraged to ask questions and share comments and recommendations. All input was duly recorded and will be forwarded to the respective agencies for consideration and action.
The 2024 Budget Debate is anticipated to take place in December, where the suggestions and feedback gathered during these consultations will guide discussions and decisions.
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis remains committed to transparency and inclusivity as it continues to work towards the goal of a sustainable and prosperous island state.