Government needs to do more to facilitate the smoother running of operations for persons willing to invest in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

So says Deputy Prime Minister and Parliamentary Representative for Central Leeward, Louis Straker, while addressing the launch of this country’s newest quarry located at Ruthland Vale in Layou.{{more}}

Straker said that government has been doing a lot to facilitate private sector investment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but noted attractions like tax and duty free incentives would help to stimulate private sector investment and thus create employment for people.

Straker said that he was very pleased that operators of the quarry, C.O Williams Construction Limited of Barbados, decided to set up business in this country.

The quarry at present employs approximately 80 Vincentians and is anticipated to complement and boost the rising construction industry in this country.

Also addressing the launch was Minister of Transport Works and Housing Senator Julian Francis who, like his colleague, welcomed the investment of the Barbadian company.

He said this country has been experiencing a rise in the construction industry which made a substantial contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of this country. Francis said he was particularly happy that the quarry was being opened three months after the close of the stone crusher at Lowmans Bay.

C.O Williams Construction Company is investing EC $9-10 million in the first stage of the project.