PM sees 2007 as critical for SVG

The year 2007 would be a critical one for Vincentians.

That’s according to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves. During his Independence Day message to the nation, delivered at Victoria Park last week Friday, the Vincentian leader spoke of plans for his budget expected December 6.

It would be his sixth Budget presentation, since the election of the Unity Labour Party in March 28, 2001.{{more}}

Dr Gonsalves dwelt on the positive, and projected a healthy image of the country, but some persons might be worried when he described the budget as “critical for our nation.”

The Vincentian leader projected on the Caribbean Single Market and Economy on stream for 2007 and 2008.

He also touched on plans for constitutional reform and the reintroduction of Local government.

The Value Added Tax, a new measure that has been scheduled for implementation in May next year also attracted the Prime Minister’s attention.

Dr Gonsalves also referred to the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup, at which St Vincent and the Grenadines is expected to host warm up matches March 5 to 9.

He reflected on his speech made at the United Nations recently. He extracted excerpts of his address then, and emphasised the 200th anniversary of the Slave Trade’s Abolition.

Dr Gonsalves declared that his address to the UN had “stirred responses.”

He added that a statement of regret was likely from some quarters, responsible for some forms of slavery. But he also asserted that “we must push for more.”

A fair-sized crowd of Vincentians, many bedecked in their version of national dress, and others in symbols of patriotism, converged on Victoria Park for the military parade.

The event proceeded in humid conditions encouraged by early morning heat, unlike the normally rain-drenched October atmosphere.

A number of uniformed outfits joined segments of the Police on the display watched by Governor-General Sir Frederick Ballantyne. He was among a host of representatives from foreign embassies and missions and a cross section of the local populace.