GOVERNMENT TO BROADEN BUDGET CONSULTATIONS

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 06, 2023 (SKNIS): A wider cross-section of the populace in St. Kitts and Nevis will have an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed Budget for the 2024 fiscal year as the government continues to promote transparency and good governance.

In the past, consultations would generally be done with key stakeholders during private meetings or at an invitation-only forum at a venue such as the ballroom of the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. However, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, said that a framework is being developed that will essentially take aspects of the consultations “on the road” for a broader level of input.

“We want to change the way we discuss the Budget by taking it to the people for them to have more input,” Dr. Drew said on Thursday’s (October 05, 2023) Roundtable with the press.

He expressed that the Budget will move forward the government’s agenda to transform St. Kitts and Nevis into a sustainable island state. As such, the consultations will explore factors including the current climate crisis.

“All of this has to be a part of explaining to them what climate change is and how it is affecting us. Why do we have to do the Budget the way we are doing it? What are the threats to St. Kitts and Nevis? How can we mitigate against them?” said Prime Minister Dr. Drew.

The Budget Presentation is traditionally delivered in December during a sitting of the Federal Parliament.

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