Basseterre, St. Kitts(WINN) -Government promises a people-oriented National Budget on Tuesday, December 15.
Financial Secretary Hilary Hazel offered examples of the government’s approach to financial recovery after the heavy economic toll of the coronavirus on the vital tourism industry that resulted in thousands being unemployed and millions lost in government revenue.
“… we will continue to invest in areas as we respond to the issues related to COVID-19. However, we have taken the decision that we will be tending towards looking forward and looking towards recovery and transformation, ” Ms. Hazel said, in response to a reporter’s question at the recent press conference hosted by Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris.
This year’s budget will focus on “expenditure related to infrastructure development, to spur on the transformation process that we have started and also to recover from the blows we experienced in 2020, ” Ms. Hazel added.
St. Kitts and Nevis closed its borders for eight months this year to protect the country from the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
Countries across the world instituted similar measures in the face of what has been described as the worst health crisis in a century.
One with an economic impact considered to be unprecedented in scope and reach due to the globalized nature of the 21st-century global economy.
“National Security will continue to be a focus, our social safety net programs will also be prioritized. We will also be looking towards strengthening our partnerships with our international partners as well as strengthening the environment for spurring on entrepreneurship,” Ms. Hazel said. ”
