Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton, has described the 2016/17 budget as one which lacks credibility.
He says this budget, like others in the past, is not the product of a "effectively anchored by-partisan mechanism" to decide on and fund the growth and development priorities of Dominica. In his rebuttal to the PM Skerrit's budget report Tuesday, Linton says this budget cannot be regarded as a contract between Government and the people as it is not clear or transparent. He calls for the establishment of an effective and transparent budget formulation process.
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A reliable shipping service for the export of drinking water and other agricultural produce and vital commodities to neighbouring islands could become a reality before the end of this year.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says plans are progressing rapidly to begin this operation and he expects to be in a position to announce the commencement of this venture by November. He says the Government in discussions with external private sector interests and entrepreneurs in that regard. Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton, says he is disappointed in the allocations given to the Marigot hospital in the 2016/2017 budget report. In his presentation on Tuesday, the Prime Minister stated that “designs for the Marigot hospital will be formulated” during the fiscal year. Linton says through the Prime Minister fourteen word “announcement” there is no way to tell when the people of Marigot and environs will see the beginnings of a new hospital. The Marigot Hospital was shut down in June 2016 due to mold and fungus infestation.
The Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) is commending the Government on the Tourism related items announced in the 2016/17 budget address describing it as measures to boost the tourism economy.
Among the measures are, a $15 million dollar low-interest facility to target the upgrade or expansion of existing hotels, with a 3% interest rate and 1 year grace period on interest and principal. In conjunction with the low-interest facility, the Government also approved critical adjustments to the fiscal incentives regime to support reinvestment in the upgrade or expansion of existing hotels and also increased the destination marketing budget to $8.5 million dollars. DHTA President, Gregor Nassief, says this demonstrates Government's commitment to tourism. “These measures, in our view, demonstrate the Government’s commitment to tourism as a key driver of the country’s economic development as well as the on-going need for extensive public-private sector engagement and partnership in moving the country forward.” said Nassief. The DHTA also notes the adjustment of the VAT registration threshold, which they say will directly benefit tourism small businesses. A stern warning has been issued to fathers who continue to renege on their responsibilities. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has told delinquent fathers that their happy -go-lucky days are coming to an end as his government will be addressing this issue in the coming months. " My philosophy on this is simple-pay up or go up!!" said PM Skerrit. He made these comments as he delivered his budget address Tuesday saying that single parenting here is real. PM Skerrit stated further that he will be discussing with the Dominica Social Security the creation of a pilot health insurance service targeting mothers and expectant mothers.
This facility which will commence with an initial $5M instalment is expected to take effect from January 1st 2017. He says mothers of children three years and under and all expectant mothers in Dominica would be able to register with the pilot health insurance service to have 80 percent of all medical bills associated with the care of their unborn, newborn and infant paid by the service. Minister for Finance, Roosevelt Skerrit Tuesday presented an over half a billion dollar no new tax budget at the first meeting of the second session of the 9th parliament under the Commonwealth of Dominica constitution. This year's budget which stands at 680million, 798thousand, 190 dollars, is anchored on the theme building a more resilient Dominica. Employment, Trade & Energy Minister Ian Douglas described the budget as impressive though the issue of unemployment was not touched upon. Employment, Trade & Energy Minister Ian Douglas
Tourism Minister Senator Robert Tonge says the budget is excellent considering the aftermath of TS Erika. Finance Minister, PM Roosevelt Skerrit has announced that 46.3 million dollars has been allocated towards the construction of a 7 megawatt geothermal plant in Dominica for a two year period. HE says further legal services will be provided by a New York based international law firm.
Dominica's President, H.E Charles Savarin, has called on Dominican citizens to put aside their differences and unite to rebuild the country. The President was addressing the 1st meeting of the 2nd Session of the 9th Parliament Tuesday. He recalled the extensive damage the country suffered during the passage of TS Erika August 2015. He also noted the assessment conducted by local and international partners which indicate that Dominica would require 1.3 billion dollars to rebuild. Savarin says as a nation that has had to deal with disasters in the past, it is not over. The President warned of the signal that will be sent to the international community, who has provided assistance to the country if citizens fail to put on a united front. Dominica's President H.E Charles Savarin
Education Minister, Petter St Jean, has endorsed VF INC's 9th Summer Youth Series. The program seeks to uplift young persons, instilling in them a sense of self confidence so that they can contribute meaningfully to society. St Jean says it is great that this avenue was created so youth can receive the type of support needed in today's society. Education Minister Petter St Jean
He was speaking at the launch of the 9th Summer Youth Series which took place at the Convent High School on Monday morning. Partners include the National Bank of Dominica Ltd, Flow Dominica, Banana Tree Restaurant & Catering Services and Q95 FM radio. The closing ceremony will take place this Friday at 3pm. RBC's Managing Director for the Eastern Caribbean, Isaac Solomon, has
sought to explain the reason behind the recently implemented $25 fee to customer accounts. Solomon said the reasons for this was the cost incurred through aligning customers with products that best meet their needs including several taxes which have been imposed on the financial institution. He was Speaking at an introductory cocktail for RBC Dominica's Country Manager recently. |
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