Budget presentation reveals more assistance for the vulnerable and creative industries

Tuesday 20 April 2010 – Prime Minister Honourable Stephenson King has announced that poor and vulnerable citizens will receive a twenty-five percent increase in their allowance from government commencing October 2010.

Mr. King says this decision is in keeping with his government's commitment to provide the necessary support to the most vulnerable groups in society.

The island's prime minister says the increased allowance will compliment a recent and strategic decision by government to implement a zero rating of consumption tax on a range of food items, and the subsidy on cooking gas and basic food commodities like rice, sugar, and flour.

“Despite the low levels of inflation that currently exist, government has taken a policy decision to maintain these social protection measures. Madam Speaker, this government recognizes that the allowance for the most vulnerable—the poorest of the poor—is inadequate. Commencing October 2010, I wish to announce a twenty-five percent (25%) increase in public assistance allowances. In this regard, an exercise to review that list is being undertaken by the ministry of health, to ascertain that the persons on the list are truly deserving.”

Meanwhile, the prime minister announced an allocation of EC$1.5 million for the establishment of a national endowment for the creative industries. Mr King says the fund is designed to lend greater support to young burgeoning artistes.

“Madam Speaker, globalization affords us a wonderful opportunity to capitalize on a burgeoning cultural export market. Whereas culture is often perceived in terms of its celebratory value, increasingly, culture is being explored as an export commodity. Madam Speaker, there are numerous untapped areas of our culture that need to be documented, dramatised , and packaged for export, without losing the essential character of the art form itself.”

A board will soon be established to manage the administration and disbursement of funds which have been allocated to the creative industries. Mr. King says his government remains committed to exploring emerging and untapped industries.

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