“People who want to go into business now have the opportunity to get into business and make money and improve Grenada,” said the President of the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Ruel Edwards, following Prime Minister Keith Mitchell’s presentation of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2017 on 9 December.
Mr Edwards was among a cross-section of persons who shared their reactions with the Government Information Service at the end of the presentation last Friday.
Roma Watts, a senior citizen praised the Keith Mitchell administration for its vision, saying she thinks the plans for the future look really green. “Government has done a lot. If they continue along the path that they are treading, I think Grenada will be a better place,” she said.
The budget statement presented by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance held promises of increased job opportunities and a number of projects, among other benefits for citizens. But what seems to have stood out for most are the fiscal relief measures outlined.
“We are now seeing the benefits of the programme, in terms of wage increases and tax releases. It shows that the sacrifice is paying off,” said Carlisle Noel, expressing how happy he was to see the ‘seeds of sacrifice’ bearing fruits for all.
“I’m very happy with what I heard,” Brian Felix said, sharing similar sentiments. “The workers deserve all their monies because they all sacrificed so much for the country, and now they are reaping the benefits. We are all grateful.”
From the interviews gathered, it’s safe to say that most Grenadians look forward to 2017 with hope and anticipation.
“I think there are pieces of the budget that everyone loves… I don’t know if there’s much about a negative rebuttal. It’s to their benefit, and the benefit of the whole development of the country,” Carlton Frederick shared.
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