Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 16, 2018 (SKNIS): The formal meeting of the Cabinet took place on Monday, March 12 and Thursday, March 15, 2018. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris. Here are the salient matters that were discussed at that meeting:
12th March, 2018
The Financial Secretary, Mrs. Hilary Hazel, came to the Cabinet to give an update on the Federation’s non-compliance status within the European Union (EU) Regime. It is instructed that St. Kitts and Nevis has cleared two of the three areas that were deemed as harmful in the process. It was also heartening to note that a three member team from the Global Forum had been conducting an onsite evaluation and the team was satisfied with the mechanism that was being put in place for our reporting. The EU on the other hand determined that some elements of our taxation are preferential and can be considered harmful. It is a work in progress, however, and discussions are ongoing. At the Cabinet meeting, the Chair also informed of discussions he had had with the Chair of the group in an effort to bring the speedy delisting of the Federation.
The Chair advised the Cabinet of a meeting with a group of developers who was very supportive of the government’s new options for the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme and who praised the government for its efforts to stimulate development by realigning fees. It was a lively and productive meeting with developers with the Minister of Finance, the Attorney General and Head of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
Cabinet was advised and updated on the South Friar’s Bay development and the relocation of the bar operators and vendors to make way for the Ritz Carlton project.
15th March, 2018
Cabinet recorded its regret on the passing of Dr. Joseph Halliday (Former Chief Education Officer, Chief Personnel Officer for the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, Chairman of the Public Service Commission) and extended condolences to his immediate family, relatives and friends.
The Cabinet was advised that the Defense Board met and approved the appointment of Major J. Anthony Comrie to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defense Force.
Cabinet was informed that discussions are still ongoing for the exit of the Sugar Investment Diversification Foundation (SIDF) from Christophe Harbour.
The Attorney General updated the Cabinet on the progress of the matter involving the Leader of the Opposition and the Dominica diplomatic passport issue.
Cabinet was advised that the funeral of the two murdered sisters from Keys village will take place on the 16th March and advised of government’s assistance so far as it was financially possible.
Cabinet considered a number of submissions which would stimulate economic activity within the federation and which could also bring assistance to a number of citizens.
The Speaker advised the Cabinet of the date for the next sitting of Parliament, which is on March 28.
