By Caribbean News Global contributor
CASTRIES, St Lucia – In an election year, there should be much Ado of any government vis-à-vis the estimates of expenditure and revenue; the tabling of the appropriation bill and the budget address. However, this is hardly the case of a back-to-front government heading to parliament on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 4:00 pm, as assigned.
The debate on the appropriation bill is schedule for Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 15 and Friday, April 16, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
According to the office of prime minister, Allen Chastanet, utilizing the theme: “Adapting, Overcoming and Persevering: We are a Resilient Nation” follows the laying of the estimates of expenditure for the new financial year in the amount of $1.639 billion. The appropriation bill is the policy agenda for the government of Saint Lucia and within this year’s budget address the prime minister will map the continued way forward to building a resilient Saint Lucia.”
Unrealistic estimates of revenue and expenditure for 2021/22, says St Lucia opposition leader
The prime ministers’ office also communicated that he is expected to “give an overview of the past year, Saint Lucia’s adaptation to dealing with COVID-19 and the plan to continue to overcome the pandemic and guide our country forward.”
Notably, the Throne Speech whitewashed in its conclusion delivered March 16, 2021, proved unhelpful amid these challenging times, to guide and penetrated new foreign markets, for the sustainability of the social-economic development of Saint Lucia.
The mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic, the eruption of La Soufriere Volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the uncertainty of the tourism industry that underpins the economy, coupled with the upcoming hurricane season highlights the significant impact of continued unrealistic economic projections.
With an election year/election budget that has Saint Lucia in a deep hole – the propensity to focus on ‘dubious pocket aligning projects’ and impractical policy measures, coupled with the inconsistency to raise awareness on internal dependency and human development, will have little significance on every day lives – struggling to survive.
Moreover, the tabling of the appropriation bill 2021/2022 and the delivery of the prime minister’s budget address, using history as a guide/indication, is of least uniformity and acceptability to the basics of economic relevance, but more in keeping with the protocols of misadventure.
