Throughout last week, the Ministry of Finance continued its round in the present series of ‘Update on the Economy’ when it engaged teachers in discussion on the state of the local economy and the significant challenges now facing the Country. On Tuesday 25th the Ministry met with teachers of St. David’s and St. George’s at the T.A. Marryshow Community College. On Wednesday 26th the presentation was made to the teachers of St. Andrew’s at the St. Andrew’s Methodist Primary School, while on Thursday 27th the teachers of St. Johns, St. Marks’ and St. Patrick’s met with the Ministry at the St. Rose Modern Secondary School. On Friday 28th the team traveled to Carriacou where they met with the teachers of Carriacou and Petite Martinique and the Hillsborough Secondary School. The consultations covered a wide range of economic issues with particular focus on post Hurricane Ivan levels of economic activity and the major challenges facing the Country. The consultation was also used as a forum to discuss issues relevant to the reconstruction process and to the National Budget which is scheduled for late March 2005. A major discussion point was the suspension of salary increases for the period 2005 and 2006. Concerns were also expressed about the cost of living, the need for housing and the public debt. Some of the major challenges now facing the country include: Reviving the economy and recreating the country’s potential for sustained economic growth Reducing the country’s dependency on external support Strengthening Government’s revenue collection Controlling recurrent expenditures Reducing unemployment Replacing homes and social infrastructure (schools, health facilities) Rebuilding the country’s environment This week the Ministry of Finance plans to make similar presentations to Public Officers and police/security officers at the Grenada Trade Centre. Additionally, the Ministry would be making similar presentations to local media workers and all parliamentary constituencies during the next few weeks. Source: Ministry of Finance