2006 BUDGET: EXPANDING OUR ABILITY TO MEET HEALTH CARE NEEDS

Government’s commitment to continued improvements in health care is reflected in its 2006 Budget, presented in Minister of Finance Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton’s Budget Address on 14 December at Legislative Council.

The Minister of Finance said Government is vigorously pursuing plans to build a new hospital and improve health facilities on all sister islands. This, he said, is so “our people can benefit from affordable and accessible health care”.

“Our goal is clear: to ensure that each individual has equal opportunity to participate in activities that improve their health and well-being. With this in mind we are focused on both the physical and social infrastructures required to meet the health needs of the people of the Territory,” the Minister said.

Minister Skelton said the three-year hospital project was launched to keep pace with the need for adequate and efficient health services. Other infrastructural developments on tap include the construction of a new senior citizen home in Spooners Estate, the upgrading of the senior citizens facility in Virgin Gorda, and the upgrade of health facilities on other sister islands. 

The Minister of Finance noted that in 2006 the Territory will see the installation of a new 100-ton incinerator at Pockwood Pond, which will eliminate the current harmful patterns of storing and open burning of waste products, thus restoring control and adequate management of Territory’s solid waste.

He also said that in 2006 the Territory will strengthen its epidemiological services and disease prevention capability in response to international health regulations to combat pandemic threats such as avian influenza.

Measures to be taken include building capacity at international air and sea ports to conduct high level surveillance and referrals, ensuring fit and proper procedures are followed for the importation of food, and the presence of appropriate quarantine facilities are set up within the Territory.

Overall, more than $30.8 million of the Government’s 2006 Budget is earmarked for the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

In Tuesday’s Budget Address, Minister Skelton projected 2006 revenue collection of $233.2 million with recurrent spending of $203.8 million and capital spending of $24.2 million. The remaining $4 million will be distributed among the Pension Fund, Emergency/Disaster Fund, Contingencies Fund, Repair and Renewal Fund and the Reserve Fund.

The 2006 Budget was presented under the theme “Advancing Our Social Services.” It has now been referred to the Standing Finance Committee, which will review the spending bill in detail. Following that, the Budget will be returned to the Legislative Council for final debate and approval.