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PM Expresses Optimism Over St. Lucia's Economic Future

Contact: John Emmanuel

Monday, January 07, 2002 - Prime Minister Hon Dr. Kenny Anthony says there are reasons for confidence that St. Lucia will hold strain amidst the current economic recession gripping many parts of the world. In his New Year’s message to the nation Dr. Anthony pointed to several reasons for optimism.

He referred to the sure-footed manner in which the island ventured into the International Financial Services Sector, averting the criticisms that have been levelled at other mature jurisdictions. He identified the hunger for education on the part of hundreds of St. Lucians of all ages is being represented in a solid increase of the number and quality of academic degrees that are being claimed by St. Lucians students from the University of the West Indies as another cause for optimism. This confidence is further reflected, he added, in the entrepreneurial spirit of several local companies who have pioneered new avenues for investment like Helen IT and Big J’s Wholesale Club, as well as the restructuring of local firm J.Q Charles Limited.

Prime Minister Anthony says he is also encouraged by the phenomenal developments in the literary and creative life of St. Lucians. He made mention of the spate of high-quality local books and magazines hitting news stands along with improvements on the music scene. Improvements in the situation of banana farmers over the past six months, he noted, were also providing reasons for optimism.

 “During this period we have seen, after a dramatic decline in production, a near doubling of output, supported by impressive quality scores. These developments, limited though they may be, have given me hope. They tell me that with the right support, our people can be encouraged to do more to help themselves and in the process, place our country on a sounder economic footing,” said Dr. Anthony.

“In a few weeks time, we shall be celebrating the twenty-third anniversary of our country’s Independence. We can, by the resolutions that we make today, propel our country confidently into the future. We can do this by pledging to work with each other; by respecting each other’s opinions; by putting reason into our every enterprise and counsel before our every action; by reaching out to assist those who are less fortunate than ourselves; and by invoking God’s guidance and presence in our lives.”

Dr. Anthony says those responsible for ensuring law and order, can be of immense help by redoubling their efforts to deter crime and to promptly solve any crimes that may have occurred.

Those charged with nurturing the minds of the nation youth can assist the cause of nation building by encouraging imaginative, disciplined and creative thinking among young St. Lucians, while those entrusted with the mantle of leadership he noted, should lead by example, with a sense of responsibility, vision, courage, integrity and humility.

• (read full text of Prime Minister's New year's Address)

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