Government introduces poverty reduction, improved living standards plans
By Melissa Bryant
Reporter~SKNVibes.com
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Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Ministry of Social Development, Community and Gender Affairs has been allocated EC$13M in recurrent and capital resources to execute its programmes for the coming year, which represents a seven percent increase compared to last year’s allocation.
The increase was announced during the 2009 Budget Address which was read yesterday (Dec. 16) by Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris.
Harris stated that this Ministry, which falls under the responsibility of the Hon. Rupert Herbert, plays a critical role in social development and social protection and had made a significant contribution to the performance of St. Kitts and Nevis from the standpoint of the UNDP Human Development Index.
“The significant sum invested by the government in the development of the physical and social infrastructure and the delivery of various social assistance programmes to the vulnerable groups of our communities is now paying dividends.
“Our philosophy is to implement deliberate policies to address the needs of the poor and disadvantaged groups. This is why we can proudly state that we have one of the most comprehensive social assistance programmes in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) countries. I must make the point that we want to eradicate poverty. However, as long as the poor exists, the Labour administration will always help, shelter and protect them,” Harris assured. ~~Adz:Right~~
He revealed that the Ministry would be implementing an ambitious Public Sector Investment Programme in the upcoming fiscal year.
Capital projects to be implemented include the fencing of Newton Ground Primary School, construction of walkways and alleys in Dieppe Bay, construction of an alley at Stone Haven in Molineux, construction of the Fig Tree/La Valle Community Centre, IT Skills Training for Tabernacle and Mansion, construction of water storage facilities at Conaree Community Centre, and a day-care centre for Molineux.
“We [the government] believe that these community-based projects will help to provide greater convenience in the relevant communities and to enhance community life in keeping with our strategic goal for empowering our communities and to give them a much more important role in social and economic decision-making,” he said.
He noted that changes in the global environment such as the dramatic rise in the price of food and other basic commodities have demanded that the Ministry strengthen its social policies, programmes and activities to ensure that the necessary safety nets are in place to service the most vulnerable groups.
The Finance Minister further stated that the Ministry would continue to foster community self-direction, self-help and community cohesion through the promotion of community activities, and would aggressively pursue initiatives to promote social inclusion and to improve living standards.
