Supplementary Estimates get nod of approval from Opposition
THE PARLIAMENTARY Opposition New Democratic Party has supported government’s move to spend $136.4 million to provide immediate relief for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, as nationals try to cope with the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl.
The government’s relief package was tabled in Parliament last Thursday, July 18,2024, by way of a Supplementary Estimates Bill 2024, which was debated and passed by members of the House early on Friday morning.
In his contribution to the debate on the Opposition Leader, Dr Godwin Friday pledged his party’s support for the Supplementary Estimates, stating that what happened with Hurricane Beryl is a lesson for us all.
The estimates provides funds for the retrofitting of the old Teachers Collage at Arnos Vale, to house students from at least three schools in the Grenadines.
While commending this move,Friday expressed that work to rebuild the schools in the Grenadines may take longer than expected.
He expressed concerns that having young students being schooled in a “different community” may have a negative impact on their lives, in terms of socialization.
Hurricane Beryl unleased terror on St Vincent and the Grenadines on the morning of July 1, 2024 and Friday described Beryl as “a once in a lifetime hurricane.”
He said “it was an ordeal,” as St Vincent and the Grenadines was pounded for four hours by wind, rain and storm surge associated with Hurricane Beryl.
The Opposition Leader also expressed support for money allocated in the Supplementary Estimates to repair wharves and jetties island-wide.
In presenting the Estimates in Parliament on Thursday, Minister of Finance, Camillio Gonsalves disclosed that the sum of $3.5 million has been set aside in the Supplementary Estimates to repair wharves and jetties.
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