Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 28, 2018 (SKNIS): The formal meeting of the Cabinet took place on Monday, June 25, 2018. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris. Here are the salient matters that were discussed and the decisions taken that are designed to advance the growth and development of the country:
Cabinet consolidated the plans for the operationalization of the Integrity in Public Life Bill. Persons have been identified who would be members of the Integrity Commission, one of whom is identified by the Honourable Prime Minister, one by His Excellency the Governor-General, and one by the Honourable Leader of the Opposition. The Honourable Attorney General is actively engaging the Human Resource Department to sensitize the senior public officers who would be impacted by the Integrity in Public Life Bill.
Cabinet was advised of several vacancies for senior positions within the public service. The Human Resource Department has been mandated to fill the vacancies that exist.
Cabinet was informed that there would be a visit by the Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela this week to discuss bilateral issues and to put the finishing touches on the housing project at Wellington Road, East Basseterre, which would enhance the quality of life of some citizens from the area. The Chair of the Cabinet expressed thanks to the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the continued support to the Federation, which is part of the social programme initiative.
Cabinet considered several submissions to benefit small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and to continue the robust development within the tourism sector.
Cabinet approved a number of Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) projects and was updated on matters relating to the Sustainable Growth Fund now being established.
Cabinet was reminded of the inaugural Diaspora Conference to be held later this week and it was expected that the interactions between members of the Diaspora and the Government would be fruitful and beneficial to both sides. There have been serious discussions between citizens of the Diaspora and government ministers whenever they travel to the adopted homes of nationals. The interests of nationals returning home is quite high and would be encouraged so that the Federation could benefit from their skills and expertise.