ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA August 25, 2017.  Efficiency and effectiveness of Finance has to be a critical part of Government’s work.

That is the message by Minister of Finance and Prime Minister Prime Minister Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell when he met with Senior Managers of the Ministry of Finance recently.

According to Dr. Mitchell he is cognizant that the performance of the Ministry of Finance is critical to government’s success in the short and long terms.

He admits that the performance of Public Officers in some cases leaves a lot to be desired and that some operations in the system are fundamentally flawed and needs to be fixed. However, he encouraged the officers to challenge themselves to consistently aspire for excellence in the performance of their duties.

He believes the system must of necessity reward officers who have been performing excellently over the years.  He urged the leadership of Finance to regularize the positions of the hard-working temporary officers, who go way beyond their call of duty.

The Grenadian leader says team-work is the hallmark of success and called upon the Finance Team to be their brother’s keeper and be more forthcoming in providing critical support to each other. He promises to spend more time with the Ministry.

The importance of firm leadership to improve the overall attitude and performance of the Public Sector in general and the Ministry of Finance in particular, was another highlight of Dr. Mitchell’s message to the Finance Team.

The Officers were also given the opportunity share issues and ask questions in an atmosphere frank and honest discourse. They described the meeting with Prime Minister Mitchell as very inspiring, and look forward to similar engagements in the future.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Finance and Energy has begun preparations for Budget 2018.

As part of the budget preparation process, the Ministry is engaging stakeholders to hear their views on the state of the economy and suggestions for the way forward.

Already the Ministry of Finance has held healthy and fruitful discussions with Civil Society Organizations and Churches.

Among the priorities of the Government of Grenada for this Budget Cycle are:-structural reforms to boost growth, competitiveness and employment, strategic and targeted investment to promote sustainable development, continued fiscal discipline in a manner that is consistent with the sustainable growth and employment objectives.

Continued support in health care delivery and the agriculture and fisheries sectors to boost investment in domestic production and export are of paramount importance.

Youth and small business development are critical aspects of the focus in 2018 as well as low cost housing and strengthening safety nets programmes to protect the poor and vulnerable.

Over the next two (2) weeks, the budget consultations with stakeholders would include:- Trade Unions, Financial Institutions, Private Sector Organizations, Agricultural Organizations, Farmers, Fisher folks and Youth Organizations.

A consultation would also be held in the Sister Isle for the people of Carriacou and Petit Martinique.