New Finance Minister To Hit The Ground Running

Newly appointed Minister of Finance and Public Service, Hon. Audley Shaw, says the Government is committed to unlocking the growth potential of the country while remaining fiscally prudent.

“We are committed to continuing on a path of fiscal prudence while at the same time seeing what measures we can take to unlock the path to growth. It is a challenge, but we know it can be done,” he said.

Mr. Shaw was speaking to journalists following yesterday’s (March 7) swearing-in ceremony for Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State at King’s House.

The Finance Minister said the first order of business for his Ministry is to construct a budget, noting that there may be a short delay in its presentation.

“The idea is to…hit the ground running, because we have a lot of work to do and we have to maintain confidence,” he said.

He further noted that the proposal to remove personal income tax for persons earning a gross annual salary of $1.5 million or less is still a part of the new Government’s agenda.

In addition, Mr. Shaw said the Administration will work to make it easier for persons to invest in the country, “to cut the red tape and to get things done and the Ministry of Finance has a lot to do with that. We have to be supportive of the growth agenda and that is my commitment,” he said.