Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Social and economic programme launched in Dominica

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

by: Malaika Laurent
Caribbean Net News Dominica Correspondent
Email: malaika@caribbeannetnews.com

ROSEAU, Dominica: A programme aimed at achieving social and economic transformation through fiscal growth and poverty reduction in Dominica was launched by the government on Monday.

It was established through the Growth and Social Protection Strategy (GSPS).

Speaking at the launching, Prime Minister Skerrit said the programme provides an opportunity for relationships between all sectors of society to be forged.

He added that working with the private sector to bring more investment to the country will achieve the desired economic growth and poverty decline needed.

“The achievement of sustained economic growth and poverty reduction is a pivotal goal of this government.

“It is accepted that to achieve sustained economic growth, there must be a stable macro economic environment and an enabling environment that is conducive to private sector investment.

“Over the past five years, your government has taken action to create a sound macro economic posture and is moving steadily with efforts to create an enabling environment,” Skerrit said.

The PM, in his address, noted that economic growth is important but not sufficient, while growth and development is not synonymous.

He highlighted strategy objectives ongoing in various sectors to attain the desired social and economic transformation.

“The tourism sector which has the greatest potential of growth is already experiencing reform and modernisation.

“We have made progress at our efforts of re-packaging and re-branding our tourism product. The agricultural sector is going through the same process and soon there will be a full and comprehensive agriculture policy to guide the development of that sector.

“Government also believes that agro processing, fisheries, water, energy, information and telecommunications technology, international finance and other sectors must continue to be reformed and modernise and be internationally competitive and to be able to contribute meaningfully to the development of our people and country.”

Skerrit added that the GSPS will also focus on tax reformation to assist in social reform.

“We will continue in all efforts at tax reform, to make the tax system more equitable and fair in Dominica. This government is committed to improving the effectiveness of social protection programmes to better cater for the needs of the less fortunate among us.”

The launch of the GSPS preceded a national discussion on the content of the GSPS and options for engaging the International Monetary Fund in other programmes here.

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