BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER of the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF) Terrence Crossman has denied rumours which suggested that the Foundation would be assisting the government in paying a double-salary to civil workers later this month.
Just last week during his weekly radio programme ‘Ask the Prime Minister’, Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas indicated in no uncertain terms that his government is not in a position to offer a double salary this year.
He clearly stated, however, that should a benefactor offer that gift to the government, it would be willingly received.
“The government is not in a position to pay a double salary because that is not what I think is going to be possible at this time. If it were possible and if there is some agency or some external agent, or if there is some benefactor out there who wishes to give that as a gift to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, naturally we will accept it.
“But the government, from its own resources, (is) not at this time able to pay the double salary. However, as if said, if there is a benefactor somewhere who wishes to give this to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, especially the public servants, of course we shall receive it as a gift and allow the people to enjoy…”
The rumours which circulated suggested that the Foundation would be that benefactor. However, after being questioned by this media house about the matter, Crossman admitted to having heard similar talk on the streets of the Federation but indicated that there has been no discussion about that between himself and the Prime Minister.
“The SIDF is unaware of any such discussion because I certainly have not been a part of any such discussion. I first heard that on the road myself. The Prime Minister and I have never even spoken about it and, frankly, I don’t see that that can happen.”
