Debate on 2016 Budget Wraps up

(ZIZ News) – The country’s Prime Minister, Dr. Hon. Timothy Harris got his more than $600 million Budget approved in the National Assembly on Tuesday evening, following days of debates.

Tuesday heard presentations from Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Eight, Hon. Eugene Hamilton and Finance Minister and Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Seven, Dr. Harris.

Members of the opposition were notably absent for the majority of the sitting, which was expected to hear from Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Two, Hon. Marcella Liburd.

The journey to the passing of the Appropriation 2016 Bill 2015 began almost one week ago with the approximately three-hour presentation by the country’s Prime Minister and the debates began the following day, on December 16th, with presentations by opposition and government MPs including Opposition Leader, Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas.

In a post Budget presentation on Tuesday, Dr. Harris spoke with pride of the allocations which saw many ministries receiving increased support. One of the decisions announced which garnered much commendation was the increase in risk pay of officers attached to the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the St. Kitts and Nevis Defense Force and the Fire and Rescue Services Department.