DEPUTY SPEAKER NISBETT COMMENDS THE GOVERNMENT OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS ON THE PRESENTATION OF A PROGRESSIVE 2022 BUDGET

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 20, 2021 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – The strong show of support for The Appropriation (2022) Bill, 2021 by Members of Parliament continued today, Monday, December 20, 2021 when Deputy Speaker in the National Assembly, Senator the Honourable Dr. Bernicia Nisbett commended the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis for its foresight in the composition of the 2022 Budget.

“Mr. Speaker, I wish to equally applaud the members of this Team Unity Government for sitting down together and crafting this optimistic Budget at such a catastrophic and economically stringent time. This Budget makes provisions for and covers every aspect of life for citizens and residents here in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, from education to agriculture, health to economics, to entertainment and entrepreneurship,” Senator Nisbett said.

The Deputy Speaker described the 2022 Budget as progressive, and one that focuses on expanding education, investing in infrastructural development, building affordable homes and improving health services.

“The Government continues to push forward and make the necessary changes and adjustments to deliver what it promises – a stronger, safer future for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis,” the honourable senator said.

As a medical practitioner, Dr. Nisbett said she was particularly pleased with the increased investments being made to strengthen the delivery of healthcare in the Federation. The increased budgetary support to the Ministry of Health will facilitate, among other things, the procurement of an MRI machine to be installed at the JNF General Hospital.

Senator Nisbett said, “The MRI machine will assist the healthcare professionals in diagnosing or monitoring the treatment of various conditions for early interventions. This will significantly decrease the wait time for an accurate diagnosis of an ailment and reduce the travel distance to get to a diagnostic center.”

The Deputy Speaker noted also that the Government’s plan to absorb half of the cost of hemodialysis and oncology services for nationals who do not have health insurance is one that should be applauded.

“This indeed is remarkable and indicates that the Team Unity administration is doing what it promises to do,” said Dr. Nisbett.

The Deputy Speaker in the National Assembly also lauded the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis for extending the Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP), one of its most significant social safety net initiatives, for the year 2022.   -30-