THE THRONE SPEECH SETS THE TONE FOR THE SUBSEQUENT DEBATES ON THE REVENUE OF ESTIMATES AND EXPENDITURE.

“Building Resilience Today to Secure our Future,” was the theme for the Governor General’s Throne Speech on the occasion of the Third Session of the Eleventh Parliament on March 20. This year’s throne speech was a highly-anticipated one, as it was the first for Governor General His Excellency Sir Neville Cenac, who was sworn into office on January 12, 2018.

The Throne Speech sets the tone for the subsequent debates on the Revenue of Estimates and Expenditure and articulates the policies for the government’s work agenda for the next fiscal year.

Expounding on the theme, the Governor General said this was an appeal for citizens to reaffirm their commitment to Saint Lucia and to do so collectively. He also spoke of the government’s commitment to improving health services in a more modern and equitable manner.

“Greater impetus will be given to the commissioning of the new national hospital, and continuing the transitioning of the Victoria Hospital,” he said.

A proposed Health Records and Reporting Bill will also form part of the government’s health agenda, and this initiative will make new provisions to regulate the disclosure of health-related information of individuals. The Public Health Act and Regulations will also be considered for amendment.

Sir Neville added that the Government of Saint Lucia will be taking measures to strengthen primary healthcare services as a strategy to reduce the burden on Victoria Hospital, as well as the new Owen King European Union Hospital, when it is commissioned.

Enhancing the provision of critical dialysis service in the south of the island is another priority area for the government. This, according to the Governor General, will be achieved by ensuring the provision of additional dialysis machines.