Minister of Finance, Planning, Economic Development, Energy and Foreign Trade, Hon Nazim Burke, has given the assurance that the nation can rest assured that his government will make good on its promise to provide the nation¹s school students with free text books for the upcoming school year.
Addressing members of the media on Tuesday morning for the first time since his official swearing in as minister, Burke who was accompanied by Mr Michael Church (Minister of State) Finance, Planning, Economy, Energy and Foreign Trade told that media that the promise made on the campaign trail by the NDC will be upheld despite critics that it was just an election gimmick.
The National Democratic Congress in its manifesto identified education as a priority area promising much financial relief for Grenadian parents.
The NDC has already stated that in its first year of implementation, the
free school book programme will cost government approximately nine (9) million dollars, the second year $5.6 million, and in the third year $3.1 million.
The minister disclosed that a task force was already being setup to implement the free school book programme. Part of the NDC¹s plans to ensure that the programme is a success and remain manageable is to standardize the books in the schools.
Both ministers were treated to a warm welcome by the staff at the financial complex after which a brief service of rededication - start of a new beginning at the minister¹s office took place followed by a short press briefing.
Burke, like his colleague Church, said that he is humbled by the level of confidence placed in him by Prime Minister Hon Tillman Thomas.
He said that the portfolio given to him is a huge challenge for him being put in a ministry where everyone depends on him to manage the country¹s finance but hastily added that he is not daunted by the challenge as he seeks to make a positive difference in the country.
Church stated that he was also happy to be trusted with such responsibility and feels confident that himself and Burke will succeed in their undertaking.
Burke stated that while he was not in the position to disclose the projects and plans that will get priority since they had to undertake a full assessment of the state of affairs on the country¹s finances and the projects underway the free school book programme is a definite yes.
Minister of Education and Human Resources, Senator Franca Bernadine, has been charged with the task of implementing the plans and projects aligned to her ministry.
