Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Dr the Rt Hon. Keith Mitchell, today held his first meeting with the Grenada Bankers Association, since assuming Office on 20 February 2013. Accompanying the Prime Minister were Minister Oliver Joseph, Minister of Economic Development, Planning, Trade and Cooperatives; Mr Timothy Antoine, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Dr Patrick Antoine, Economic Advisor to Government; and other officials of the Ministry of Finance.
In addressing the bankers, Prime Minister Mitchell said: “The relationship between Government and the Bankers ought to be one of partnership. We have to work together as partners in this process of economic revival, if we want to move Grenada forward.” He spoke passionately of growing the economy and the creation of jobs. To this end, Government proposes to commission a Growth and Competitiveness Council, made of representatives of the key economic sectors, who will advise Government on economic policy and initiatives that will promote economic growth. Prime Mitchell also emphasised Government’s commitment to waste reduction and their goal to reduce non-salary expenditure by 15–20%.
Other matters discussed included the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, Government’s overdraft facilities, and the 2013 Budget.
President of the Grenada Bankers Association, Mrs Champa Rampersad–Barnes, speaking on behalf of the bankers, thanked the Prime Minister for the meeting and gave their commitment to working with Government to achieve every success.
The next meeting of the parties is scheduled to take place in one month’s time.
