Throne Speech summary: Key policy priorities ahead of Budget address

The first Throne Speech since the government’s re-election was delivered this morning, setting the stage for this afternoon’s Budget Address by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.

Delivered by Deputy to the Governor General, His Excellency Felix Finisterre, the address outlined several policy priorities for the current administration, including the following:

Governance and Institutional Reform

1. Regarding the Constitution, Finisterre said discussions regarding constitutional reform will be intensified, including consideration of Saint Lucia’s current arrangements regarding the Head of State.

2. The government will review constituency electoral boundaries.

3. Continued review of the Citizenship by Investment Programme, ensuring it remains “transparent, accountable and compliant with international standards.”

4. The Sovereign Wealth Fund, for which legislation was passed last year, will be operationalised this year to support climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives, as well as general economic development.

5. The Integrity in Public Life Act will be revised to align with “modern transparency practices” for government and political officials.

Social and People-Focused Initiatives

6. The Education Act will be re-examined, with focus on student attendance, school retention, and provisions for early childhood and special education.

7. Building codes will be reviewed to address accessibility challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

8. Discussions on the Diaspora Bill will take place this year, with a view to advancing it towards enactment.

9. Increased resources will be dedicated to the youth economy.

Healthcare

10. Legislation aimed at improving healthcare access and affordability will be enacted, including the Universal Health Coverage Bill, the Mental Health Bill, and the Medical Laboratories Bill.

11. Commissioning of the St Jude Hospital will be continued.

Environment and Agriculture

12. Legislation addressing illegal dumping and the unauthorised construction of roadside structures deemed unsightly will be enacted.

13. Bills related to fossil fuel use and alternative energy sources will be brought forward.

14. The Electricity Supply Bill is expected to be enacted this year.

15. The National Hydro-meteorological Services Bill will form part of this year’s legislative agenda.

16. Greater emphasis will be placed on public education to encourage wider adoption of rainwater harvesting.

17. Agricultural policy will be transformed to improve food security.

Justice and Legal Affairs

18. According to Finisterre, a suite of legislation aimed at strengthening the justice system will be enacted, including the Witness Protection (Special Measures), Fingerprints, Plea Bargaining, Electronic Crimes, Anti-Criminal Organisation, Status of Children, Justice of the Peace, and Forensic Evidence (DNA) Bills.

19. The Criminal Code and the Evidence Act will also be revised.

Economy

20. The Public Procurement Act will be updated to better align with the local economic climate.

21. In light of geopolitical conflicts affecting global crude oil prices, Finisterre said the government will “have to design measures to mitigate the negative impact” of rising costs on fuel, cooking gas, and food in Saint Lucia.

Infrastructure and Development

22. Construction of the Halls of Justice is expected to be completed next year.

23. Redevelopment of Hewanorra International Airport is expected to commence this year, with bids already submitted and under evaluation.

24. A National Insurance Scheme housing development project in Roseau will be undertaken to address the shortage of affordable housing. Planning is ongoing, including road layouts and lot mapping, with environmental and social impact assessments completed.

25. Work on the Vieux Fort Administrative Complex and Amphitheatre will commence, with revised architectural drawings completed.

The article Throne Speech summary: Key policy priorities ahead of Budget address is from St. Lucia Times.