New proposals to deal with St Lucia's fiscal deficit

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Jun 8, CMC – Public sector unions are expected to respond to new proposals outlined by the St. Lucia government for improving the island’s finances.



Union and officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Cabinet Sub-Committee met on Friday to discuss cost-cutting measures within the public service and while both parties remain mum on the discussions, there are reports of new proposals being submitted by the Kenny Anthony administration.



President of the St. Lucia Teachers’ Union (SLTU), Julian Monrose, said his union will hold an emergency extra ordinary meeting on Tuesday to discuss government’s proposal and make recommendations for presentation to the Cabinet Sub-Committee.



President of the Civil Service Association (CSA), Mary Isaac, said her organisation was not in receipt of the new proposals and was not present at the weekend talks.



She told reporters that the union had written to the government requesting the proposals but had been told it would only be made available at the meeting.



The government is seeking ways to reduce the EC$76 million (One EC dollar – US$0.37 cents) deficit and has hinted at reducing the salaries of public servants rather than having to make some of them redundant.



The unions are expected to respond to the new proposals by June 13.



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