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Contact:
John Emmanuel
Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - The Government of St. Lucia is moving full
speed ahead to create the environment that would lead to an expansion of
economic activities, as a means of cushioning the impacts of the Free Trade Area
of the Americas (FTAA) on the local economy.
That was the underlining theme of comments from Minister for Tourism, Commerce,
Investment and Consumer Affairs Honourable Phillip J. Pierre, who along with
other senior government officials, recently addressed over 250 St. Lucian
nationals at a town hall meeting of St. Lucian nationals in New York on
Saturday, September 27, 2003.
According to Director of Information Services-Embert Charles, who was at the
meeting, Minister Pierre, noted that “the advent of the FTAA would result in the
removal of certain taxes on imports which would lead to a loss in government
revenue and stiff competition for local manufacturers.”
Minister Pierre added that “St. Lucia and other Caribbean governments must avoid
becoming too insular in their approach to the FTAA, relying solely on their
small tax base to finance development, but rather improve on the standards and
quality of products.” He cited the work of the St. Lucia Bureau of Standards
which facilitates the improvement in the quality of products.
Addressing nationals on the status of the social-economic development in St.
Lucia, Minister Pierre noted that “government is continuing to invest resources
in the police force to combat criminal activity, adding that every new crime is
one too many.”
The St. Lucia nationals engaged the Minister in debate on a wide range of issues
including the status of health care facilities, procedures for accepting
material and financial assistance from overseas groups, the environmental levy
and the debate on the amendment to the criminal code. He urged all St. Lucians
to become tourism ambassadors for the country.
His Excellency Julian R. Hunte, now President of the United Nations General
Assembly, informed the meeting that it would cost the St. Lucia Government about
EC$0.5 million to hold the presidency of the UN General Assembly. Senator Hunte
said the other contributions from Caribbean countries and international
organizations are also very significant to the running of the office. He urged
the gathering to make use of the St. Lucia Mission and informed them of ways in
which they could assist in the development of the country.
His Excellency Senator Hunte and Minister Pierre apologised on behalf of Prime
Minister Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony who was unable to attend the meeting as he
took ill the night before. The Meeting was chaired by Ambassador Anthony Severin.
Present were St. Lucians from New York, New Jersey and also St. Lucian Staff at
the United Nations and the St. Lucia Mission.
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