President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Trevor Blake, has commended the Government for its prudent management of the economy, strong engagement with the private sector, and success in restoring safety and stability across the Federation.
Speaking at the National Budget Forum on Wednesday, President Blake described this year’s theme, “Turning Conversations into Action: Building a Sustainable Island State Together,” as timely and reflective of the spirit of partnership now defining national development. He noted that the ongoing collaboration between the Government, the private sector, and civil society has created a strong foundation for sustained and inclusive growth.
“The Chamber values opportunities like this to participate in open dialogue on fiscal and development priorities,” Blake said. “It is through these discussions that we find balance between economic ambition and social responsibility.”
He praised the Government for its commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability, citing the gradual return to pre-pandemic growth levels, the steady decline in inflation, and the continued push to strengthen key productive sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and construction.
“We are encouraged by the Government’s deliberate approach to diversifying the economy and reducing overreliance on traditional revenue streams,” he said. “The steps taken to reform the Citizenship by Investment programme, attract foreign investment, and support local entrepreneurship demonstrate a clear focus on sustainability and competitiveness.”
The Chamber also commended the Labour administration for its proactive stance on national security, highlighting the positive results achieved through the work of the Citizen Security Secretariat. “Unchecked criminal activity is an existential threat and a deterrent to investment,” he noted. “The Chamber applauds the Government’s leadership and the efforts of the Secretariat in curbing the recent spike in violent crime. These actions have not only restored public confidence but have strengthened the country’s investment climate.”
He added that a secure environment is the bedrock of growth, as it allows businesses to operate with confidence and creates the stability needed for long-term planning. “Safety is not just a social good — it is an economic advantage,” he said.
Mr. Blake expressed support for the Government’s focus on social investment and capacity building, emphasising the need to enhance productivity, skills, and innovation. He urged continued investment in technical and vocational education, particularly in STEM and digital fields, to ensure the workforce remains competitive in a changing global economy.
On fiscal policy, he encouraged discipline and transparency while calling for targeted incentives that reward innovation, sustainability, and job creation. “Fiscal reforms should prioritise sectors that align with our national goals — those that create opportunities for our people and contribute to building the Sustainable Island State,” he said.
Turning to agriculture, President Blake highlighted the importance of strengthening agribusiness and food security, noting that market-driven innovation, value-added processing, and climate-smart farming must continue to be supported through financing and research. He said these efforts, combined with digital transformation in public services, will improve the ease of doing business and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.
He also encouraged continued public–private consultation, particularly as new legislation and fiscal measures are developed. He said meaningful engagement ensures that policy decisions are practical, inclusive, and sustainable.
“The Chamber supports the Government’s commitment to collaboration and transparency,” he said. “Together, we can move decisively from dialogue to implementation, from ambition to achievement, from planning to performance.”
Closing his remarks, Blake reaffirmed the private sector’s role as a trusted partner in national progress. “We remain an active, reliable, and solutions-oriented partner in advancing the Federation’s development,” he said. “The Chamber stands ready to work with Government to achieve the shared vision of a Sustainable Island State — one that delivers opportunity, prosperity, and security for all.”
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