Though this claim was later denied by Lawrence’s boss, (then Premier of Nevis and Minister of Finance), Joseph Parry, many people understood the predicament of the island government and were convinced that the tale provided by the Financial Secretary was much closer to the state of the economy, than the more prosperous picture attempted by the premier.
With a change in government in Nevis taking effect on Saturday 26th January, 2013, following elections on Tuesday 22nd January, the new premier and Minister of Finance, Vance Amory, has taken immediate steps to demonstrate that some sacrifices have to be made, if the island’s economic situation is to be improved.
In this regard, Premier Amory announced on Saturday during the inauguration ceremony of his new island administration, that with immediate effect, his entire Cabinet will take a 10% pay cut in their salaries.
A statement from the Administration indicated that “In keeping with one of his party’s commitments during the campaign to rescue Nevis, during his inauguration address to the people of Nevis, the newly elected Premier of Nevis, the Honorable Vance W Amory announced that the entire Cabinet will take a 10% salary cut effective immediately.”
The Premier went on to announce further, and again in keeping with another campaign commitment, that there will be a reduction in the fuel surcharge effective February 2013. There was a standing ovation and rousing applause to this announcement.
The Premier informed that he will give a full report of the Island’s finances, and regarding the state of affairs of Nevis; once the assessments and analysis have been made.