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100% tax-free. Nothing taken from the earnings of individuals or businesses.
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Current account surplus. Using the IMF Economic Classification Formula, a $15.5 million surplus is projected for fiscal year 2004.
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Guaranteed increase in salary. Public workers may not be getting "the double", but they can look forward to an increase in salaries and wages and the payment of commensurate back pay during the coming fiscal year.
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The Salary Review Committee will be asked especially to look into bettering the lot of teachers, both with salary and conditions of work.
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A major offensive against crime through the construction of new Police Stations; the establishment of a Canine Unit; increased patrols by Police and Army; state-of-the-art computer, finger printing and communications equipment for Police, increased training for Police Officers and the restructuring of the Police Force, with special emphasis on the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
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Come January 1st, all government employees, called up for national duty by their respective sporting organizations, will be granted leave of absence on full pay. The private sector will be encouraged to do likewise.
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Bigger buses for taxi operators. Taxi men will not only be permitted to import bigger buses but will get special low interest loans from Government to help upgrade the local fleet.
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Hassle-free loans. Government is creating a facility for what can effectively be termed "drive through loans". Funds will be set aside for on-lending to individuals with bright business ideas but no collateral. No longer will persons desirous of acquiring relatively small sums have to put up land papers, vehicles or other personal or borrowed property as security. Government will secure those loans.
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Reform in tabulation of property tax. Not only will the system be more equitable but, for 2004, persons will pay no more and in some instances will pay less. Indeed, houses below a certain value will be exempt from property tax.
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Special helping hand for people with needed skills. In addition to the millions of dollars already available for general student loans, Government will be setting aside special funds for persons desirous of pursuing studies or becoming proficient in high demand disciplines. This will ensure that Kittitians and Nevisians benefit fully from business and employment opportunities that will come about as a result of new driving forces in the economy.
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More help for farmers. Government has directed that a special fund be set up at the Development Bank for bona fide farmers to secure seven and a half per cent loans to boost production and efficiency, particularly with respect to food crops earmarked for the tourism sector.
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Equal opportunities for non-nationals. The Alien Loan Levy will be abolished. This will enable non-citizens resident or doing business in the Federation to borrow money from local banks without paying the discriminatory tax. This will be of particular assistance to nationals of CARICOM and the Dominican Republic.
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A slice of the pie for Kittitians and Nevisians. Government is moving to ensure that citizens benefit more from the economic windfall that is about to impact the Federation. Special incentives will be put in place for foreign companies and individuals to enter into joint venture arrangements with locals.
