Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698075149050.pdf (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ORDER PAPER No.9______________________________________________________________________30 _____________________________________________________________________________ THURSDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER, 2018 PRAYERS OBITUARIES CONGRATULATORY REMARKS CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF THE SITTINGS HELD ON THURSDAY 28th JUNE 2018 ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS REPORTS FROM SELECT COMMITTEES PETITIONS PAPERS 1.
House of Assembly Paper 6 of 2018 Report of the Director of Audit Public Accounts 2012 (Honourable Camillo Gonsalves) 2.

House of Assembly Paper 7 of 2018 National Insurance Services Financial Statements For the year ended December 31, 2017 (Honourable Camillo Gonsalves) 3.
House of Assembly Paper 8 of 2018 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Zero Hunger Trust Fund Financial Statements For the year ended December 31, 2017 (Honourable Camillo Gonsalves) 1 No.9_____________________________________________________________________31 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS 1.
The Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday, (Leader of the Opposition), to ask the Honourable Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development and Information Technology: How much money has the country earned or borrowed under the Petrocaribe program in 2017 and 2018.

What is the full extent of the debt incurred thus far under the program; how is the country servicing the loan.

2.
2.

The Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday, (Leader of the Opposition), to ask the Honourable Minister of Education, National Reconciliation, Ecclesiastical Affairs and Information: There is an alarming disparity among the secondary schools in the country concerning the graduation rates of students who attend the various schools.

Will the Minister please state what is the completion rate (or drop-out rate) at each secondary school in the country for the academic years 2017 and 2018.

3.
3.

The Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday, (Leader of the Opposition), to ask the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture : Hard courts throughout the country play an important role as venues for sports, especially basketball and netball, and cultural events.

Yet they are poorly maintained and many lack basic amenities such a shelter, proper seating and functioning toilets.
Will the Minister: (a) Conduct a comprehensive review of the conditions and needs of hard courts throughout the country; and (b) Repair those that are in a state of gross disrepair, including the one at Paget Farm Bequia, where the fence has completely fallen down, the concrete surface o f the co urt is broken, and the electrical wiring and lights no longer work.

4.
4.

The Honourable Arnhim Eustace, (Member for East Kingstown), to ask the Honourable Ministe r o f Education, National Reconciliation, Ecclesiastical Affairs and Information: For some years now I have questioned the non accreditation position of the two year associates degree program issued by at the Community College.

When will the Government ensure that these two year programs are accredited.

5.
5.

The Honourable Arnhim Eustace, (Member for East Kingstown,) to ask the Honourable Ministe r o f Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development and Information Technology: On July 31st 2017 Parliament approved with the enthusiastic support of both sides of the house, the Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation Agreement Bill for businesses in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

What actions have since been taken to implement this important programme.

6.
6.

The Honourable Arnhim Eustace, (Member for East Kingstown), to ask the Honourable Ministe r o f Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development and Information Technology: Will the Honourable Minister please indicate the status of the last fiscal out turn for the year 2018.

2 No.9_____________________________________________________________________32 7.
The Honourable Terrance Ollivierre, (Member for Southern Grenadines) to ask the Honourable Minister of Education, National Reconciliation, Ecclesiastical Affairs and Information: The registration fee when a child enters secondary school has been increasing and it varies across various secondary schools.

For example Girl's High School is $300 while Grammar School is $220.
Will the Minister please state: (a) What is the nature of the fees; (b) Does the government play a role in the setting of these fees; (c) If so why are the fees so high; and (d) What's the cause for the variation.

8.
The Honourable Major St. Clair Leacock, (Member for Central Kingstown,) to ask the Honourable Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development and Information Technology: The abbreviation IMF for The International Monetary Fund was nicknamed in SVG as its Mitchell Fault; this notwithstanding the body’s eventual conclusion on the Mitchells Stewardship –“Much to please, little to fault…” Today the current regime has restored by way of quotes their confidence in the internationally respected body.
In its 2017 Article IV Consultation Report, the IMF stated inter alia the following: i) Continued low growth in 2016 reflected the slowdown of tourism at the end of 2016 and contracting construction with the airport nearing completion.

ii) External Amortization needs have intensified.


iii) “Growth is expected to remain flat in 2017 at 1 percent before picking up and reaching to its potential over the medium term…” iv) “Additional fiscal measures are needed to permanently raise the primary balance and achie ve the ECCU debt target of 60% of GDP…” v) “…St.
Vincent and the Grenadines has the highest tax revenue and wage bill to GDP of the ECCU.” a) Does the GOSVG accept these economic conclusions as well founded; b) Is the GOSVG in effect imposing a wage freeze on public servants; c) Are taxpayers the principal target to address the fiscal deficiency; and d) What is the GOSVG best bet as to a modest growth rate of or around 3%.

9.
9.

The Honourable Major St. Clair Leacock, (Member for Central Kingstown), to ask the Honourable Prime Minister and of Minister of National Security, Legal Affairs, Grenadines Affairs and Energy : The GOSVG has indicated its intentions to construct a large hotel to be leased out to private management contract.

It has also expressed a willingness for more entrepreneurial investments in the “Montreal Green Houses”.
In the meanwhile the IMF has reiterated that the challenge is now t o foster a strong private investment response to better connectivity and maximize benefits across the population.

a) Is the government amenable to assist business units formed from among young men across SVG starting with a Redemption Sharpes group to: i) Secure trawlers for fishing ii) Apprenticeship programs for fishermen including coast guard assistance iii) Land lease for farmers groups for organic agriculture production.
3 No.9_____________________________________________________________________33 10.
The Honourable Major St. Clair Leacock, (Member for Central Kingstown), to ask the Honourable Prime Minister and of Minister of National Security, Legal Affairs, Grenadines Affairs and Energy : Just as the law has been used to create and provide a competitive advantage and some would say a niche market in the Ship Registry Industry, Offshore Finance Services, Citizens by Investment Programs, the same has also been done through our Geographic Indications Act of 24/6/2004.
It however appears that progress has been slow or indeed absent in achieving market advantag e in the GIA.
What successful approaches if any we had over the last fourteen (14) years in: a) Identifying portfolio that can capitalize on the GIA instrument (tool); b) Establishing appropriate brands where product or service development was realized; c) How does the horizon look for the GIA in improving our export potential; and d) Exactly how has this IP System being used to effectively market agricultural products .

11.
11.

The Honourable Daniel Cummings, (Member for West Kingstown), to ask the Honourable of Minister of Transport and Works, Urban Development and Local Government: There have been two failed attempts to construct a Community Centre in West Kingstown by the ULP.

In the second case construction started and there was an abrupt stop.
Would the Minister please state; (a) How much money was spent on this second failed attempt; (b) Is there any plan to build on this spot or any other location in WK; and (c) If in the affirmative where and when will this be done .

12.
12.

The Honourable Daniel Cummings, (Member for West Kingstown), to ask the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Legal Affairs, Grenadines Affairs and Energy : a) Concerning the new port which is to be constructed in Kingstown; what are the implications for the housing stock in Rose Place between Back street and Bay Street; b) Is there are any plans for alternative use of this area; and c) Has there been any discussion/ consultation with the property owners .

13.
The Honourable Daniel Cummings, (Member for West Kingstown), to ask the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Legal Affairs, Grenadines Affairs and Energy : Will the Honourable Prime Minister please indicate the records for the years 2015, 2016 and 2017 with regards to the following: a) Amputations at the MCMH as a consequence of diabetes; b) Deaths as a consequence of renal failure; c) Loss of breast due to cancer; d) Deaths due to cervical cancer; and e) Death due to prostate cancer.
14.

The Honourable Roland Matthews, (Member for North Leeward), to ask the Honourable Minister o f Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Transformation: Will the Minister please state: a) The amount of money that St. Vincent and the Grenadines received from the Banana accompanying Measures (BAM) Program; 4 No.9_____________________________________________________________________34 b) Identify all the projects that were financed by the program; and c) Give the cost of each program.

15.
15.

The Honourable Roland Matthews, (Member for North Leeward), to ask the Honourable Minister o f Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Transformation: The nation’s food import bill is very high and the Ministry of Agriculture as part of its “strategic priorities” for 2018 is for “the reduction of the import bill by targeting specific commodities for local consumption”.
Will the Minister state: a) What has the Ministry put in place in terms of policy that will result in the reduction of the food import bill; and b) As of June 30th 2018 has there been any reduction of the food import bill when compared to the same period in 2017.

16.
16.

The Honourable Nigel Stephenson, (Member for South Leeward) to ask the Honourable Minister o f Education, National Reconciliation, Ecclesiastical Affairs and Information: The Campden Park Technical Institute has commendably offered a wide range of technical and vocational disciplines which allow young people to add value to their eventual workplace.

A notable absence however has been that of mechanical engineering.
Will the Honourable Minister of Education please state the reason for that omission and when students so inclined will be given that opportunity to develop that skill.

17.
17.

The Honourable Nigel Stephenson, (Member for South Leeward) to ask the Honourable Minister o f Transport and Works, Urban Development and Local Government: The road in between D Tunnel and the Campden Park Technical Institute collapsed during a tropical weather system thereby making it impassable to vehicular traffic for well over a year now.

Will the Honourable Minister of Transport and Works please state definitively when restorative work will commence, the cost and duration of work.

18.
18.

The Honourable Nigel Stephenson, (Member for South Leeward) to ask the Honourable Minister o f Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development and Information Technology: Hundreds of young people have recently graduated from colleges, secondary schools and universities compounding the already high rate of unemployment.

Will the Honourable Minister please state precisely what the Government is doing to create employment for them.

19.
19.

The Honourable Marcia Barnwell, (Opposition Senator), to ask the Honourable Minister of Education, National Reconciliation, Ecclesiastical Affairs and Information: According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Report in 2017, “The Caribbean is in the midst of a childhood obesity epidemic.
Statistics show at least one in every children carries unhealthy weight and is at risk of developing non- communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.” five 5 No.9_____________________________________________________________________35 April Last year (2017), the Honourable Minister informed members of this House that the Ministry of Education had collaborated with the Ministry of Health to provide guidelines for healthy eating in schools Feeding Program.
Can the Minister: (a) Please state how has the Ministry of Education been monitoring and evaluating its healthy eating program; and (b) What has the data revealed about the impact of Schools Feeding Program on childhood obesity.

20.
The Honourable Marcia Barnwell, (Opposition Senator), to ask the Honourable Prime Ministe r and of Minister of National Security, Legal Affairs, Grenadines Affairs and Energy : Over a year ago the Honourable Prime Minister in response to public outcry against loud lewd music in vans and in response to question asked by Senator Barnwell in this Honourable House April 2017 stated on public radio program on WEFM in and around March 2017 and here in this Honourable House in April 2017 that a loud lewd music is a serious issue and that new Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Bill is top priority to address this issue among other things.
Can the Honourable Prime Minister: Please state what has happened to the government's plan to introduce this bill which everyone agrees is needed to confront and remedy this problem; and whether it intends to do so b e fo re the end of this year 2018.

21.
21.

The Honourable Kay Bacchus Baptiste, (Opposition Senator) to ask the Honourable Minister of Transport and Works, Urban Development and Local Government: Since before the 2010 elections steps were taken to measure roads in West St. George includ ing the Mary Hole road.

Recently many residents have fallen as a result of the poor condition of the roads.
a) Can the people expect repairs to the Mary Hole road within a reasonable period; b) Is there a road repair plan for West St. George for 2018; and c) Is any progress being made with the Fenton link road leading into Central Kingstown.

22.
22.

The Honourable Kay Bacchus Baptiste, (Opposition Senator) to ask the Honourable Minister of Transport and Works, Urban Development and Local Government: The Doris McKie Learning Resource Center which bears the name of the Honourable Minister for West St. George mother’s name is in a deplorable condition.

Are there any plans to re furb ish that Community Center.

23.
23.

The Honourable Kay Bacchus Baptiste, (Opposition Senator) to ask the honourable Minister of Transport and Works, Urban Development and Local Governme nt: The resilient farming community of Welcome in the West St. George Constituency have requeste d of me to enquire of the parliament what sins if any they have committed and why their community is so neglected with bad roads and dumping of derelict vehicles being the order of the day.
Will the Honourable Minister please indicate how soon the hard working community can expect some relief from the poor infrastructure.

6 No.9_____________________________________________________________________36 ORDERS OF THE DAY (Government Orders are marked thus*) 1.

* 2*.

3*.

4*.

5*.

6*.

7.

* 8.

* Silma Williams Pension (Declaration) Bill, 2018 (Hon.

Prime Minister/Minister of Public Sector) Elene Hill Pension (Declaration) Bill, 2018 (Hon.
Prime Minister/Minister of Public Sector) Hudson Bullock Pension (Declaration) Act 2018 (Hon.
Prime Minister/Minister of Public Sector) The Medicinal Cannabis Industry Bill, 2018 (Honourable Saboto Caesar/Minister of Agriculture and Forestry) The Cannabis Cultivation (Amnesty) Bill, 2018 (Honourable Saboto Caesar/Minister of Agriculture and Forestry) The Permitted Use of Cannabis for Religious Purpose Bill of 2018 (Honourable Saboto Caesar/Minister of Agriculture and Forestry) The Police (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (Hon.
Prime Minister/Minister of National Security) Child Justice Bill, 2018 (Honourable Frederick Stephenson/Minister of Social Development) 9*.

Copyright (Amendment) Act, 2018 (Hon.

Prime Minister/Minister of Legal Affairs) 10.

Vincy Table Tennis Foundation Incorporation Bill 2018 (Honourable Speaker) 11.
The Light House Ministries Inc Incorporation Bill, 2018 (Honourable Mr. Speaker) 1st Reading 1st Reading 1st Reading 1st Reading 1st Reading 1st Reading 1st Reading Select Committee Select Committee Report Select Committee Report Select Committee Report 12.

The Harvest Bible Chapel Georgetown Incorporation Bill, 2018 (Honourable Mr. Speaker) Select Committee Report 13.
The Association of Evangelical Churches of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Incorporation Bill, 2018 Select Committee Report (Honourable Mr. Speaker) 14.

The First Born Church Incorporation Bill, 2018 (Honourable Mr. Speaker) Select Committee Report ADJOURNMENT 7