Wednesday, April 29, 2009Antigua Outlines Fiscal Plan

Oscar RamjeetAntigua-Barbuda Governor Outlines Plans In Throne Speech

Antigua and Barbuda's Governor General, Dame Louise Lake-Tack, has outlined some of government's plans and policies for the year in her Throne Speech delivered on Monday afternoon in Parliament.

She said that, with the worsening of the world economy, her government believes that its plans are achievable with the support of every member of the government, the private sector and the good people of Antigua and Barbuda playing a part.

Dame Louise added, "My Government, cognisant of these changes, has already begun the process of articulating various policy responses that will allow us to better cope with the effects of the crisis."

Already under consideration, she said, are elements of a fiscal consolidation programme, which is intended to realign public sector expenditure and revenue in light of the impact of the global recession on our domestic economy.

She said that the government's fiscal consolidation programme will include measures that address procurement practices; the management of vehicles; the utility of rental quarters; and the enhancement of revenue efficiencies.

These measures she said can be expected to engender some degree of stability by the end of 2009 into early 2010 -- provided that there is no further deterioration in global economic conditions.

"It is my Government's intention to implement a Public Sector Transformation Programme that will create an efficient, cost-effective, client-oriented Public Service," said Lake-Tack.

"While it is essential to take definite action to bring about fiscal stability, my Government is also determined to develop and implement programmes that encourage economic activity and safeguard the social well being of our people," Dame Louise added.

She also spoke of a comprehensive National Economic and Social Transformation (NEST) Plan. The NEST Plan will further include strategies to stimulate the economy, ensure financial-sector stability, and secure the social welfare of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

"Energizing of our agriculture sector is imperative, reducing our import bills, enhancing our tourism products offerings, and achieving self-sufficiency and food security," the Governor General stressed and said that a Tripartite Committee comprising representatives from the private sector, labour unions and the Government will be established which will facilitate the consultative process.

The Opposition Antigua Labour Party boycotted the Throne Speech, stating that the Governor General is partisan and too much involved in the governing party's activities.

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