Carriacou and Petite Martinique residents are said to be elated following the successful implementation rates and reviews after the 2023 budget cycle.
The Budget Consultation that took place in Carriacou last week is one of a series of exercises held on the sister isle as the Dickon Mitchell-led Congress administration, particularly the Ministry of Finance put structures in place to compile recommendations for the upcoming year for each Ministerial department.
Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Tevin Andrews brought attention to several projects and programs that were completed successfully this year and also shared his intention to continue in the new budget cycle period.
“We have to do something about the state that we are in as it relates to the public service in Carriacou. The public service workers are scattered all over the place and it is time that we have a central location and that is why we have started the preparatory work in the Ministerial Complex,” he said.
Minister Andrews disclosed that those plans had been in the budget for years and finally, the drawings have been approved, the bill of quantity has also been approved and the process has now begun.
He indicated that the government has also managed to hire several Imani workers by removing them from the program and bringing them under the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique affairs.
Minister Andrews noted that there has also been work undertaken to upgrade the fisheries and agricultural infrastructure in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, announcing that the Belair Plant Nursery building and the Limlair Livestock Station building are two of them.
“A lot of work has been done and is being done on those stations. With all the work that is taking place in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, it is the first time that so many contractors have been given an opportunity. It’s not just one set of people but it is a number of different people being contracted to get work done,” he said.
Some of the recommendations coming out of the Budget consultation included the need for skills training, reduction in ferry fares, and more investment in agriculture and livestock production.