Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves says SVG is getting richer

The fact that this country is getting richer, is making it harder for us to receive international loans and grants.

This revelation was made by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves at the opening of the Jennings water treatment and storage plant on Wednesday September 19th 2007.{{more}}

Dr. Gonsalves stated that this country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) -which is the annual total value of goods produced and services provided in the country, has almost doubled in six years.

According to Gonsalves, the average Vincentian was worth US $3000 back in 2001; that figure has risen to US $5000 at the end of 2006.

He said that despite these statistics, there is still poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the government is taking steps to address this, with the introduction of a poverty assessment campaign.

The Prime Minister said that not only does the fact that the nation is getting wealthier make it difficult to access loans, but it takes much longer for loans and grants to approved.

He also stated said countries are also getting ‘stingier’ and are less generous with the amount they give or lend.

The Prime Minister made these comments just prior to announcing that water and solid waste rates were about to be raised. (JJ)