The Prime Minister was speaking at a luncheon with business leaders in Carriacou last Tuesday where he outlined the government’s vision for the islands.

He spoke of the establishment of local government as a priority for the future for the islands.

“My administration is committed to giving Carriacou and Petit Martinique a fair share of development and to provide the environment for businesses to succeed and make their contribution to the nation,” he told those attending the luncheon.

Mr Thomas further spoke of the need to develop the cultural, tourism, diving and agricultural sectors of the islands at a time when there is a significant increase in the cost of living.

The Prime Minister also spoke of the need for the expansion of the runway of Lauriston Airport to accommodate larger aircraft, noting that as upgrades to the airport, including night landing facilities, were undertaken under a previous National Democratic Congress administration, “maybe it's time to do some more work on the airport at this time”.

Mr Thomas, accompanied by Minister of Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs, Senator George Prime, and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Senator Arly Gill, took questions from the business community representatives.