200 participants down to attend 13th Annual Consultation on the Economy

2007 National Consultation – Head Table

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 1ST 2010 (CUOPM) – Over 200 public, private sector and non-governmental officials meet on Thursday for the 13th Annual National Consultation on the Economy.

The exercise in good governance, transparency and accountability by the ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration is in preparation for the annual presentation of the Budget in December and will this year be held around the theme “Turning our challenges in Opportunities for Reform.”

The public session at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino at Frigate Bay, begins at 9 o clock in the morning with an Opening Prayer by Rev. Masel Ephraim of the St. Kitts Christian Council, followed by presentations by President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry.

Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas will give the Feature Address in his capacity as Minister of Finance.

During the closed door session presentations attended by representatives of a wide cross section of the community, Federal Financial Secretary, Mrs. Janet Harris will present a report on the Fiscal and Debt Reform Strategies; Head of the Tax Reform Unit of the Inland Revenue Department, Mr. Edward Gift will report on Tax Reform Strategies and the Director General of the Financial Services Department, Ms. Fidela Clarke will make a presentation on Reform of the Regulation and Supervision of the Non-Bank Financial Sector.

2007 National Consultation – Representatives from the Private Sector

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development Ms. Sharon Rattan reports on the Social Safety Net Strategies while the Chairman of the Competiveness Council, Mr. Charles Wilkin, QC will give a report.

The Reports will be followed by questions and responses; discussions by focus groups and group feedback.

Participants invited to the National Consultation on the Economy include the Liamuiga Taxi Associations, St. Peter’s Bus Drivers Association, St. Kitts-Nevis Building Contractors Association, Liamuiga Rotary Club, American Bakery, St. Kitts Rotary Club, Carib Brewery, KVK Enterprises, St. Kitts Craft Vendors Association, St. Kitts Teachers Union, St. Kitts Bus Drivers Association, St. Kitts Economic Society, Business and Professional Women’s Club, St. Kitts Nurses Association, Farmers Association, St. Kitts-Nevis Bar Association, St. Kitts Youth Parliament, National Youth Council, Rotaract Club, St. Kitts-Nevis Association of Disabled People, St. Kitts-Nevis Football Association as well as banks, credit unions and heads of local businesses.