The Prime Minister, as well as the Minister of Finance of the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia, Phillip J Pierre on Tuesday has made released the budget for the year 2023-24. During the address, PM J Pierre said that, “We as a country, have good reasons to celebrate because of the economic gains, notwithstanding the external challenges and the concerns about the citizens security.”
During the budget address for the year 2023-24, PM J Pierre have mentioned that, “The government of Saint Lucia remained true to the principles which have shaped who we are and what we stand for. We have and have served us well, inclusiveness, accountability, equity and meritocracy and the rule of law. The following principles thankfully have enabled us to protect the people of Saint Lucia from the tidal wave of corruption wastage and inefficiency which are threatened to destroy our nation until Redemption Day July 26, 2021.”
“The challenges of the day have been formed the strategic choices of my government’s choices, that seek to secure a better life for our people. The strategic choices for the 2023-24 budget will focus primarily on three areas- health, national security and economic sustainability- the theme for this year’s budget,” says PM Phillip J Pierre.
At the same time, he said that, “As a government, our first responsibility is to ensure the safety of our people and the access to quality and affordable healthcare. The growth of the nation can only be empowered by its people, who must be in good health, if they have to be productive citizens. The ugly face of violent crime have been visited upon us, and while it is mainly localized, we cannot ignore the danger of contingent. This is why we must adjust it swiftly and decisively.”
“We have been and continue to empower law enforcement with tough legislations in the battle against crime. As a society we need to do more to discourage the glorification of crime and help our people develop respect for human life. The crime must not be allowed to find fertile ground in our homes or places of business. We must be of one mind in the fight against crime, otherwise, it will destroy us“ says PM J Pierre.
During the address, he mentioned that, “As it relates to healthcare, the neglect and the wastage of resources in the provision of healthcare. The citizens of this nation deserves a much better healthcare system and our government is committed itself to sure that you would get it. Our primary and secondary healthcare system will all be improved over time.”
