Dr. Martin made known his feelings at a recent Technical Meeting of the energy assistance program known as PetroCaribe. He said that most of the Latin American & Caribbean countries that have participated in the initiative have seen great benefits and savings.

The St. Kitts & Nevis Minister said the PetroCaribe deal was introduced at a time when the economy was and still is being seriously challenged by the instability in oil prices and the poor financial state, of not only the federation, but countries worldwide.

Citing Haiti as another Caribbean state that has had its own share of difficulties, Dr. Martin explained that the story of that country, in these harsh circumstances, has served as an example of just how the PetroCaribe agreement is impacting the lives of the citizens in the areas of Health, Education and Infrastructure Development.

He however cautioned that in developing systems to provide benefits, “We do not create a bureaucracy that hinders speedy deliverables.”

“The structures must be simple, user friendly and allow for timely and efficient implementation so that we can make a difference in the lives of our people. That to me must be an essential part of the PetroCaribe Agreement going forward,” said Dr. Martin, who is also Minister of Housing, Public Works and Utilities.

At the meeting which was held in Maturin, Venezuela, Dr. Martin stated that the PetroCaribe Initiative must make a difference in the lives of the people of the Caribbean and Latin America.