Governor-General’s Address: Strengthening Public Governance in St. Kitts and Nevis

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Address by Honorable Members of the National Assembly

Building a Brighter Future for Our Nation

As we strive to build a brighter future for our nation, it is essential that we strengthen our public governance systems to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

The Critical Importance of Public Procurement

Public procurement is an essential component of our public finance management system. However, there are areas where improvement is needed. While we have a Procurement and Contract Administration Act in place since 2012, it has not been fully enforced, and accompanying regulations are still missing.

Implementing Necessary Regulations

To address this issue, I am calling on our Ministry of Finance to take immediate action to implement the necessary regulations to govern public procurement. This will ensure that key institutions, such as the Procurement Board and procurement officers, operate effectively and efficiently.

Enhancing Transparency through Procurement Plans

Furthermore, I urge our Ministry of Finance to establish a requirement for ministries to submit procurement plans, allowing for better monitoring and control over public spending. This will enable us to track projects and investments more accurately, ensuring that we are getting value for money.

Supporting the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce

The St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce plays a vital role in our procurement system, representing suppliers and linking the public and private sectors. I encourage this institution to continue its efforts to promote fair competition and ensure that small businesses have equal opportunities to participate in public procurement processes.

Conclusion

Strengthening public governance in St. Kitts and Nevis requires us to prioritize transparency, accountability, and efficiency in our public procurement system. By implementing the necessary regulations and establishing a robust monitoring mechanism, we can ensure that our country’s development is rooted in effective and transparent public spending.

Final Remarks

Thank you for your attention, and may God bless our nation.

End of Address

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