St Kitts Nevis Times – After nearly five and a half hours of anticipation, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Terrance Drew left civil servants and Social Security contributors deeply disappointed during his budget presentation. Despite high hopes for a double salary or a $1,000 dividend, neither materialized. Instead, PM Drew announced two initiatives:

A six-month VAT reduction from 17% to 13%.
An income support program, offering $250 per month to individuals earning up to $5,000 for six months.
The announcements sparked widespread criticism, with citizens expressing frustration and disbelief across social media.

Kandia Warner questioned the temporary VAT cut: “Why not 13% indefinite?”
Adele T. McClendon countered: “Why not 10%?”
Michelle Dore demanded more: “He should a put it to 5%. Things real hard a SKN.”
Jacob Benjamin warned: “And then he gunna carry it up to 25%. It’s smoke and mirrors wid dese people.”
Rachida Maynard dismissed the measures as insufficient: “So what happen to the next 6 months? Strupes! Another bandage!”
Dwight R. Wilkinson criticized the timing: “He doesn’t understand finance. VAT reduction at the slowest period in sales makes no sense.”
Even social commentators chimed in, highlighting the dire state of the economy. One noted: “PM Drew is admitting that things hard when you give those making over $4,000 relief. Just imagine a manager in a private company needs $250 per month to cover basic necessities. PM Drew’s initiative is telling. Things not going well!”

The sentiment reflects a growing frustration among citizens who feel that the government’s measures lack the impact necessary to address escalating financial struggles. The absence of a double salary or a dividend, combined with what many perceive as half-measures, has deepened concerns about the Drew administration’s approach to economic recovery.