Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre Presents EC$2.05 Billion Budget to Parliament

Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre presenting the EC$2.05 billion budget to Parliament on Tuesday night

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC—Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre has presented an EC$2.05 billion (One EC dollar = 0.37 cents) budget to Parliament, extending a tax amnesty program, allowing for improved allowances for nurses and other public servants, and insisting that his administration will remain focused as it prepares for a general election in the coming months.

“And so, Mr. Speaker, as we approach our date with destiny, we do so with the full assurance that individuals from every sector of the St. Lucian society can point to the direct benefits to their lives from the work that we have done,” Pierre told legislators.

Budget Financing and Projects

He said that the budget would be financed through Recurrent Revenue of EC$1.6 billion, Capital Revenue of EC$6.68 million, grants totaling EC$93.3 million, Treasury Bills and Bonds estimated at EC$78.1 million, and loans and external funding of EC$257.3 million.

Pierre said that during the fiscal year, the government will undertake a number of projects, including the construction of condominium-type houses in Babonneau, north of here, and the construction of Rock Hall Housing in the Castries east area.

He said construction on the elderly home in Soufriere on the West Coast will begin in July this year and that funds have been secured for the construction of the Soufriere Administrative Building.

Education and Healthcare

Pierre said that a 10-year passport will be introduced at no extra cost and that, effective September this year, the Ministry of Education will be given an annual allowance of EC$250,000 to purchase feminine hygiene products for secondary schools to reduce the incidence of period poverty.

He said that effective this new academic year, the government will pay an additional two Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) subjects for students, one of which must be a science or foreign language subject. This will bring government assistance to four CXC subjects. He said students who left school within one year would be eligible for the program.

Pierre, also the Finance Minister, said that nurses who have completed their training and, upon completing two years of employment, will be entitled to permanent employment provided that the relevant authority has approved them.

Tax Amnesty and Incentives

He said that the current tax amnesty would be extended to taxes due up to 31st December 2023 and that the existing tax amnesty program would be extended to May 1, 2026.

He said the program also includes fines and penalties for late corporate filings at the Companies Registry.

The government said bakers would receive a rebate on bulk gas purchased and that liquified petroleum gas products would continue to be subsidized. Effective 1 May, the price of fuel will be capped at and shall not exceed EC$16.00 per gallon until January 1, 2026.

Employment and Pension Benefits

Pierre said that all non-established government employees who are daily paid or classified as wage earners will be given permanent employment after two years and that more than 1,900 workers on the contract will benefit from this measure.

In addition, temporary teachers will now receive full salaries for August, and income derived from pensions will be tax-free, effective January 2025.

Pierre said that pensioners will receive a one-off payment of EC$600 in November 2025, and effective July 1 this year, the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) will increase pension payments in line with the consumer price index.

Conclusion

Pierre told legislators that by the end of July next year, St. Lucians would have been called to decide and that “we are prepared to face the people.

“ We have no desire to extend our term to six years. We are proud of our work. We are confident in our achievements and the goodwill and common sense of the St. Lucian people.

And so, Mr. Speaker, as we approach our date with destiny, we do so with the full assurance that individuals from every sector of St. Lucian society can point to the direct benefits to their lives from the work that we have done.”

The ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) controls 13 of the 17 seats in the Parliament, with two other legislators sitting with the government. At the same time, the main opposition, the United Workers Party (UWP), has the remaining two seats.

FAQs

Q: What is the total budget presented by Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre?

A: The total budget is EC$2.05 billion.

Q: What are the key projects undertaken by the government in the fiscal year?

A: The key projects include the construction of condominium-type houses in Babonneau, the construction of Rock Hall Housing in the Castries east area, and the construction of the elderly home in Soufriere.

Q: What are the benefits for nurses and other public servants?

A: Nurses who have completed their training and, upon completing two years of employment, will be entitled to permanent employment, and the government will invest in nurses attending the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) to assist with the supply of nurses.