New Session of Grenada’s Parliament Begins
A new session of Grenada’s Parliament began on Friday, with Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade outlining the legislative agenda of the Dickon Mitchell administration for the next parliamentary year.
Legislative Agenda
Dame Cecile delivered the traditional Throne Speech, outlining the agenda, which includes repealing and replacing the existing procurement legislation and introducing new legislation for pension reform, deposit insurance, and energy efficiency.
“In the upcoming session of Parliament, my government will prioritize a legislative agenda focused on fostering economic resilience, advancing social equity, and combating climate change. Some of the key initiatives will include new procurement legislation, energy efficiency legislation, deposit insurance legislation, and Pension Reform legislation,” she told the joint sitting of the Parliament.
Budget and National Security
Dame Cecile said the upcoming budget, laid before Parliament, will contain more details of the government’s policies, projects, and programs for the forthcoming parliamentary year’s end. Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall said that a date has yet to be set for the presentation of the 2025 budget.
The budget is traditionally presented on the last Friday in November or during the first week of December. Regardless of the date it is presented, it must be approved and published in the gazette by December 31.
Dame Cecile also emphasized the importance of national security, stating that the preservation of public peace and safety remains a significant priority for the government.
“We will continue to pursue policies that discourage crime and anti-social behavior, while at the same time keeping our no-nonsense approach to crime, in particular, gun and firearms-related crime. We will continue to support our police and prison officers by providing better equipment and upgrading their facilities. My government will also begin the prison reform process, including identifying land for and the modeling for a new prison,” she added.
Theme for the 2024/2025 Session of Parliament
The theme for the 2024/2025 session of Parliament is “Unifying our focus toward Vision 75.” Dame Cecile said the government will embark on a journey to reconstruct, revitalize, and renew its resolve to transform the country.
“Our aim is not just to replace lost or damaged social and economic assets, but to build back better and more resilient,” she said, adding that the theme is deeply rooted in Grenada 2035 national plan that describes Grenada as “a resilient and prosperous nation, with a conscious and caring citizenry, promoting human dignity, and realizing its full potential through sustainable economic, social, and environmental progress for all.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new session of Grenada’s Parliament has begun, with Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade outlining the legislative agenda for the next parliamentary year. The government’s focus will be on fostering economic resilience, advancing social equity, and combating climate change, while also prioritizing national security and rebuilding a more resilient future.
FAQs
* What is the theme for the 2024/2025 session of Parliament?
+ “Unifying our focus toward Vision 75”
* What are the key initiatives included in the legislative agenda?
+ New procurement legislation, energy efficiency legislation, deposit insurance legislation, and Pension Reform legislation
* When will the 2025 budget be presented?
+ A date has yet to be set, but it will be presented before December 31