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by pltm
(PLTM) - The level of unemployment in the Territory is significantly high since the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, according to Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith.
Commenting that the economy is not buoyant as before, Premier Smith expressed concerns about unemployment.
“Just before this our GDP was just over $1B, now it’s nowhere near that…Because of what has happened, we have significant unemployment in the country,” he said recently.
Premier Smith stated that government is working towards rebuilding the economy to build government coffers and create jobs.
“And this is why we have been having discussions with the tourism industry, especially the major hotel owners, to find out where they are and to determine what government can do to assist in the rebuilding,” he stated.
Premier Smith mentioned that someone will be appointed to work in the Finance Ministry to deal directly with hoteliers.
The Finance Minister also spoke about the need to pump more resources in the fishery and agriculture sectors. This, he said, will help to create a third pillar of the economy.
Since the passage of the hurricanes, residents have been urged to take up jobs in the construction industry. The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College is also offering free construction courses.
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