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Contact:
John Emmanuel
Monday, April 18, 2005 - With final calculations having been made, Prime
Minister Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony later today will present the
Appropriations Bill – the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure - more popularly
known as the budget, for the financial year 2005/2006 before the St. Lucia House
of Assembly.
Press Secretary to Dr. Anthony Mr. Earl Bousquet says the Budget presentation
will be preceded by the Thrown Speech, delivered by Governor General Her
Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy. He says, “For a certainty, rising oil prices
will have an impact seeing that the Prime Minster has insisted throughout the
preparation period that in doing so, he will have to keep his eyes on the price
of fuel internationally.”
Mr. Bousquet says while he was unable to disclose specifics, there will
certainly be a definitive statement on the cost of fuel in this year’s budget.
“This I believe will be accompanied by other pronounces on energy and the whole
question of St. Lucia’s energy policy in light of the increasing inability of
small developing countries like ours which non-oil are producing to be able to
keep up with the spiralling cost of oil on the world market.”
On the vexing issue of crime Mr. Bousquet says, “I don’t think one can expect a
more definitive statement on crime. However a reiteration of government’s
commitment to continue to do all that it can to fight crime can be expected. “He
says the budget presentation will shed light on capital expenditure initiatives
that will go to institutions whose responsibility it is to help fight crime.
Prime Minister Anthony also holds the portfolio for Finance, International
Financial Services and Information. Last year’s budget total over 818 million
Eastern Caribbean dollars.
The Budget presentation will be delivered at 5 pm on April, 19th, 2005 and will
be carried live by the National Television Network (NTN).
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