Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 23, 2017 (SKNIS)—On Monday, March 20, the formal meeting of the Cabinet took place. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris.
1. Cabinet received an update on the state funeral for Sir Probyn Inniss MBE, Former Governor of the Associated State of St. Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla, which takes place today March 23. Sir Probyn died on March 12. He was 80.
2. Cabinet considered and discussed the ECTEL (Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority) presentation which was done on the 18th. The ECTEL Chairman, Senator the Honourable Vincent Byron, sensitized the Cabinet on the Draft Electronics Communications Bill, which is to be adopted by all ECTEL member countries, which are the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
3. As part of the government’s overall programme to spur economic activity through construction, and in particular through residential activity, the Cabinet on the 20th March determined that it should extend the first time homeowners initiative for a two year period from 2016 to the end of December 2018. In extending that programme, the Cabinet has made it possible for successful applicants to be able to receive waiver of customs service charges and duty free concessions on building materials for property to the tune of 400,000 dollars. Cabinet believes that this significant easement should spur further mortgage financing as the cost of building would now be substantially easier. Cabinet noted that that is one further policy initiative geared at making St. Kitts and Nevis a property owning society. Cabinet also considered the need for further private sector engagement in the economy and in that regard Cabinet is considering and has directed that the Ministry of Sustainable Development identify lands which can be made available, particularly to middle income and higher income groups. Those lands will be made available at affordable prices. On February 17th of this year, the government launched its 50 million 300 Unity Housing Solutions Programme, which will be a major driver of economic activity in St. Kitts and Nevis. Additionally, close to 200 persons to date have benefitted with housing repairs, renovations and upgrades under the HELP (Housing Enhancement Loan Programme) to ensure that priority is given to those persons who have the greatest need, in particular, the indigent.
4. Cabinet gave support to a number of projects under the Citizenship-by-Investment programme. Cabinet pledged that it will continue to enhance its due diligence processes and ensure that only the most discerning investor would be successful under the CBI programme. Cabinet was reminded of the extensive reforms undertaken thus far by the new administration. These reforms have received commendation from international agencies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF). St. Kitts and Nevis will continue to work with other member states within the region to harmonize legislative policies and procedures regarding the CBI programme with the aim of ensuring that all programmes have the highest quality assurance mechanisms and cooperate fully with the international community.
5. Cabinet considered the situation of the St. Kitts and Nevis US Embassy in Washington D.C. and approved the relocation of the embassy to more conducive facilities.
6. Cabinet was given an update on the progress and plans for the New Basseterre High School.
7. Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Assessment Team under the enhanced country poverty assessment project. This project basically is geared towards updating the poverty assessment in the country through carrying out a needs analysis.
8. Cabinet provided concessions to a number of small businesses.
9. Cabinet discussed issues relating to Carnival 2016-2017.
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