BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CUOPM):  Several small manufacturing and service-oriented businesses in St Kitts and Nevis have been granted duty free concessions in a continuing effort to create jobs and empower local entrepreneurs.

Local beef on display for sale at a local supermarket (photo by Erasmus Williams)

Minister of State for Information, Senator Nigel Carty said that the Cabinet in keeping with a policy of empowering small local entrepreneurs operating in a variety of sectors of the economy, has approved the waiver of duty for small manufacturers as well as for service-oriented operators.

“The government is mindful that this decision will continue to lead to the creation of jobs, the strengthening of the local economy and enhancement of its general competitiveness having regard to the emerging CSME and its attendant effects,” said Carty.

He said Cabinet also discussed several routine matters including the government’s immigration policy, the low income housing programme, and national security.

Discussion surrounding these issues was extensive and Cabinet has requested that formal follow-up be had on the issues raised.