LatinNews Daily Report - 11 April 2013

POLITICS| Embattled premier presents stimulus budget. On 9 April Saint Kitts & Nevis’  Prime Minister Denzil Douglas, who has been avoiding a no confidence motion since December, presented a budget to parliament that included: a reduction in corporation tax from 35% to 33%, the expansion the scheme for soft loans for first-time home buyers, and a boost for infrastructure development.  The budget session was boycotted by the six legislators who are seeking a court order to force the hearing of a no-confidence motion. The government also announced a plan to cut electricity bills for consumers, which was dismissed by the opposition as an election gimmick.  The opposition noted that electricity tariffs were reduced before the 2010 election, only to go back up shortly afterwards. Following two defections, Douglas no longer commands a majority of the 11 elected members of parliament. The National Assembly also includes three appointed senators (two government aligned) and the attorney-general; but only elected members are allowed to vote in a no-confidence motion.

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