Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 15, 2021 (SKNIS): The Honourable Akilah Byron-Nisbett, Minister of Health, Information Technology, Talent Development and Entrepreneurship lent her full support to the Appropriation (2022) Bill, 2021, describing it as one that is truly designed to invest heavily in the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that in the areas for which I am proud to have ministerial responsibility and from my Constituency of #3, this Budget truly delivers,” said Minister Byron-Nisbett on day two of the Budget Debate on Wednesday, December 15. “This Budget does invest in our people. This Budget does put St. Kitts and Nevis back on track; this Budget does provide more jobs, real jobs for our people and so Mr. Speaker, that is why I wish to commend this Budget to the National Assembly and I expect it to be passed without issues.”
The Appropriation (2022) Bill, 2021, of approximately EC $952,200,453 million, is being delivered under the theme: “Investing in our people – Putting St. Kitts and Nevis Back on Track.”
“These are more than just words Mr. Speaker. This Budget as a whole looks after health, looks after jobs, looks after the livelihood of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis…,” she said. “Undoubtedly Mr. Speaker, this Budget demonstrates what strong economic leadership can deliver. It demonstrates what prudent economic management can deliver, and it reinforces this Government’s commitment to building a stronger, safer future for all residents of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Minister Byron-Nisbett said that the Government remains firm in its commitment to improving the conditions of citizens and residents.
“Mr. Speaker, having analyzed this Budget, I have concluded that despite the various difficulties, financial and otherwise, triggered by COVID-19, this Team Unity Government has maintained all social safety net programmes and has invested significantly in the fundamental and critical areas of our citizen’s lives namely health, education, agriculture and national security,” said the minister. “We have put people first. We will always put people first. Mr. Speaker, this Budget proves yet again that this Team Unity Government is committed to delivering on our promise that all citizens are truly engaged in our journey towards a stronger, safer future.”
The Ministry of Health was allocated $73,644,479, while the allocation for the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Communications is $9,028,276.
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