Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has described 2006 as the “most tiring” since he came into office six years ago.

He told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that this was because of “a number of very important initiatives, which were very time-consuming”.

He said immediately after the 2005 general elections, his Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration had to accelerate the budget-making process for the January 2006 presentation, followed by another budget presentation last month.

“If I tell you, to present two budgets in one year, it’s an exercise that takes a great deal out of you,” Gonsalves said.

He said all preparations, including consultations, for May’s introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT), were also done last year.

Gonsalves said preparations for the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) and Cricket World Cup 2007, and legislative and other matters dealing with the “Education Revolution,” occupied a great deal of his time in 2006.

He has also had to deal the murder of Glen Jackson, his press aide.

In addition, Gonsalves said he traveled extensively in 2006 in “laying the basis for many things in this term”.

Among his visits were to Cuba, Venezuela and Malaysia for further consultation on the construction of an international airport in St. Vincent.