Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 04, 2016 (SKNIS): The outlook for continued growth in St. Kitts and Nevis remains positive and residents can look forward to a year of fulfillment which will be guided by the fiscal discipline that the Federal Government has embraced.
That commitment in 2015 resulted in a surplus budget, which enables the Government to meet its fiscal obligations and continue to provide the services and amenities that are expected to redound to the benefit of the ordinary man and woman in 2016 and beyond.
Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, said during his New Year’s address to the nation that this year “is expected to be a period marked by continued growth, development, (and) continued advancement …”
The Government is also committed to improving the services and the standards offered to the public. The Prime Minister said that healthcare, education and national security were top priorities for the Government. Under health, the Mary Charles Hospital in Molineux will undergo renovation, while an Oncology Unit is to be established at the Joseph N. France General Hospital to benefit cancer patients. A new direction for law enforcement is expected in the first quarter of 2016 as the “installation of a new High Command” for the police is scheduled, while in education, construction of a brand new Basseterre High School is slated to begin this year.
Prime Minister Harris made it clear that public sector efficiency must increase as authorities work to promote a new culture in the areas of productivity and performance. “In 2016, there will be heightened efforts to advance our public sector reform programme, beginning with the completion of job descriptions where none currently exist, and the development of matching performance appraisals to accurately determine execution of assigned duties,” he stated.
In order to replicate a surplus in 2016, government is expected to continue on a path of financial prudence and empowerment of ordinary citizens, thereby improving the standard of living and well-being of the citizens and residents of the Federation.