Preparations for the 2024/25 Budget are well underway. Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Hon, Philip J. Pierre, has begun holding consultations with department heads, permanent secretaries and the senior leadership of the various government agencies and ministries.
The consultations allow the Prime Minister to get input on a range of issues, including economic trends, social needs, national security and infrastructure priorities.
The input and feedback from the department heads can help to ensure that the budget agenda is comprehensive and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
This consultative process also helps to identify and address potential risks and challenges.
By getting feedback from experienced and knowledgeable department heads, technocrats and other senior public officers, the Prime Minister can better weigh the potential outcomes of different budget decisions to maximize benefits and restrict unintended downsides.
This inclusive process aims to build consensus and support for the budget agenda and to improve transparency and accountability in the budget process.
Prime Minister Pierre continues to demonstrate his commitment to openness and transparency to build public trust in the government and its ability to manage taxpayer dollars wisely.
The financing packages, programmes and projects proposed for the 2024/25 Budget will advance the development of our people and move our nation forward.
SOURCE: Office of the Prime Minister. Headline photo (Stock image).
The SLP government has been extremely quiet on the disbursement of EU funds. From the commencement of this administration, no mention has been made of the EU funding and its purpose. Now that the term of the funding is nearing completion, and the country has heard very little about the use of the EU funding, I presume that some big announcement will be made during the next budget. The big announcement will centre on the re-purposing of the EU funds without making mention of the source of those funds. However, rest assured, that the EU funds and its intended purpose will not be allowed to die a natural death. St. Lucians will be hearing more about that at a later time.
I assume if it was the UWP they would have been all over it, what a bunch of hypocrites