The Kingstown Medical college came to Prospect, SVG over 25 years ago. Since 1984 both the NDP and ULP have taken for granted the over 30 EC$ million annual contribution to the weak SVG economy. The EC$ 30 million financial cake was spread to many sectors of society, such as hotels, supermarkets, car rentals, petrol stations, restaurants, bars, travel agents, landlords, cable and internet companies, fishermen and the college staff.

Not enough has been done by the ULP government to reduce poverty in SVG and to provide the whole of society with a safe and peaceful environment. Crime is increasing, but a safe and peaceful environment is a crucial component for a tourism industry. Tourism is spread by word of mouth and negative word of mouth has a bigger impact than any positive tv advert. If the Medical college closes because of crime, this would have a major negative impact on the weak SVG economy. It would be a double whammy to the country on top of the seriously damaging VAT coming soon.

The knock-on effects will seriously hurt hotels, supermarkets, car rentals, petrol stations, restaurants, bars, travel agents, landlords, cable and internet companies, fishermen, the college staff as well as others. Students often have family and friends visit them too and all this would stop. If landlords fail to get their property rented then some may see their property repossessed by banks if landlords can’t pay their loans.

The cracks are really starting to show in the seriously-weakened SVG economy caused by the ULP regime’s destructive economic strategy. The closure of the Medical college will be a huge blow, which will only lead to those committing crimes against the students starting to commit crimes against Vincentians and other tourists.

Businesses must get involved if they wish to see their profits continue and rise. SVG Green Party urges businesses to galvanise the nation and bring about a general election, because one knows that if they do nothing and the ULP regime’s economic policies continue, they will see further damage to their incomes and livelihoods. This affects all from street vendors to hotel owners.

Not only have the ULP regime lied to and misled the nation with the 2007 Budget Address, they are now causing the downturn of businesses and destroying the livelihoods of many people with their poor economic policies. It is disappointing for us in the SVG Green Party to see our fellow Vincentians suffering because of the ULP regime’s incompetence.

SVG Green Party has stated from day one that the ULP regime is incompetent and they lack economic ability. Economics is the linking factor to the social and economic problems that are increasing facing this country.

SVG Green Party has the economic ability and strategy. We are willing to serve the nation. Sooner rather than later would better for everyone’s long-term social, environmental and financial security and stability. The ULP regime lacks ability. Poor economic policies will always lead to increased poverty and crime and the closing down of businesses.