Nevis News

Charlestown, Nevis
December 18,2007

During 2008, Tourism will receive a total expenditure of EC$2.1 million. “Our policies, therefore, must aim to create the conditions for economic growth, job creation and the broadening of opportunity in the Tourist industry.” ‘We are well aware that competition is becoming more uncompromising not only from around the globe, but within our region”, says Premier of Nevis and Minister of Tourism, Hon. Joseph Parry.

The Tourism sector is an important area that provides the highest employment levels with over 1300 persons employed at the various hotels and restaurants on the island. Tourism also contributes to direct revenues to government amounting to approximately 11% of total revenues.

The Nevis Island Administration pledges during 2008 to implement the following initiatives:

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Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
December 18th, 2007 (CUOPM)

The Federal Government of St. Kitts and Nevis realized EC$386.3 million in Total Recurrent Revenue, exceeding the EC$339.5 million that was recorded in 2005 by EC$46.8 million or 13.8 percent.

This has been disclosed by St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, who stated that all categories of Recurrent Revenue reflected an increase over the previous year with the exception of Taxes on Income which was EC$5.0 million or 5.4 percent less than the EC$91.7 million that was reported in 2005.

Significant increases were, however, recorded in Taxes on Domestic Goods and Consumption which grew by EC$23.7 million and Non-Tax Revenue which rose by EC$22.1 million.

Dr. Douglas said that the growth in Recurrent Revenue was mainly due to the collection of stamp duty from the private sale of lands, mostly on the South East Peninsula and the introduction of the electricity fuel surcharge.

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Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
December 18, 2007 ““ (CUOPM)

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to emphasised the importance of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and has reaffirmed its commitment to further development.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas reported that concrete steps have been taken to realise the goals of building a knowledge- based economy and an e-society through offering universal access to and the use of modern information and communications technologies.

“Our actions in this regard have been guided by the National ICT Strategic Plan that was adopted only a year ago and already we are seeing results,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who boasted that his St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Government officially opened a modern state of the art ICT training centre and e-government facility with the assistance of the Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

He stated that a number of bold initiatives have been launched including the issuance to several civil servants with Government-owned email addresses through which the official business of Government will be conducted.

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Charlestown, Nevis
December 17, 2007

Premier of Nevis and Minister of Finance Hon. Joseph Parry presented a $115,396,000 budget for 2008, a 10 percent increase over the 2007 budgeted amount of $104,507,860. He made the announcement on Monday December 17, 2007, before a packed gallery and a live multi media broadcast, during a two and a half hour presentation at the Nevis Island Assembly Chambers in Charlestown.
 
The Budget described as one which would Move Nevis to a higher level of Progress through people empowerment was expected to increase expenditure by 11 percent which is estimated at $105,908,000. The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) therefore, is expected to realize a current account surplus for 2008 of $9,488,000.
 
According to Mr. Parry, a number of critical areas would benefit from large allocations in 2008. Current expenditure in the Legal Department is expected to increase by 4.8 percent, for the purpose of salary and allowance of legal counsel and the employment of additional staff.
 
The Premier’s Ministry increased by 9 percent to cover the cost of employing additional School Crossing Guards, Court Reporters and bailiffs. Significant sums will also be spent on the purchase of law books and furniture and equipment for the offices at the Court House.

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