BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CONSTITUTING more than eight percent of the Federation’s gross domestic product (GDP), the Manufacturing sector is being highlighted as a critically-important part of the advancement of the nation’s economic development.
To this end, the Manufacturers’ Division of the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, along with other stakeholders, have embarked on a week of activities designed to bring to the fore the significance of the sector.
The week was officially opened on Monday (Oct. 6) and is being celebrated under the theme “Manufacturing – The Pathway to National Growth.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Ebenezer Edmeade Street, C. A. Paul Industrial Site, Chairman of the Manufacturing Division, Linkon Maynard highlighted the purpose of the celebration, noting that the Federation is the leading exporter of manufactured goods in the region, to the USA.
“The Manufactures Awareness Week gives us the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of this sector and also a chance to recognize and celebrate the critical contribution of the employees in the sector including the workers at the Industrial Site…
“At one stage in our history, Industrial Site workers were not considered in the highest regard in the Federation. However, today…St. Kitts and Nevis can boast to be the number one exporter in the OECS and Barbados of manufactured goods into the USA by a large margin.”
President of the CIC Damion Hobson said Manufacturers Week is the Manufacturers’ Division’s way of reminding “the nation of the value and the importance of manufacturing to the growth, development and continued sustainability to the Federation. The theme chosen this year is very much on point and very relevant as it relates to the present economic situation that is impacting our nation, region and the world in general.
“Those of us who have worked in manufacturing have quietly appreciated the opportunities that this sector has afforded the nationals over the many years. Those of us whose families have not been attached to manufacturing are perhaps not as appreciative of the sector as we should be. Events of the manufacturing awareness week are designed to highlight that importance and create awareness and appreciation.
Minister of Labour the Hon. Patrice Nisbett in delivering the featured address and in declaring the week open, revealed that the sector is the fifth largest contributor to GDP.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone in the federation of the significant importance of the manufacturing sector to St. Christopher and Nevis.
“This sector contributes approximately 8-10 % of the Gross Domestic Product over the last few years. It is the fifth highest contributor to GDP from the private sector and sustained over 2000 jobs in the Federation either directly or indirectly. This translate to over 10 % of the Federation’s work force.”
He also guaranteed that the government was committed to having a vibrant Manufacturing Sector.
“It is important to understand that of this representation of the Federation’s work force, 90% are female and in most cases single-headed households. The government is committed to those persons remain employed and provide a business environment that will attract further investment in this sector which will lead to increased employment.”
The week of activities includes a Career Day, Safety and Energy Awareness Day, an Awards Dinner, Buy Local & Exhibition and Fun Day.
