BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE first recipients of the new Long Service Gratuity Scheme have been presented with symbolic cheques and given their gratuity letters by Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis the Rt. Hon Dr. Denzil Douglas.
At a ceremony to launch the initiative yesterday (Oct 29), letters were distributed to some of the 34 individuals who were eligible for the benefit.
Speaking at the ceremony, held at the C. A. Paul Southwell Industrial Site, Dr. Douglas stated that new laws had been enacted to benefit workers who have put in years of service with particular companies.
“The Government is also committed to ensuring that the people of this country are protected when they decide that the time has come to move to another company, to start their own small business, or to devote their time and energy to some matter that is of special importance to their families.”
He was of the view that employees should not leave companies empty handed extended periods of service.
“When an employee has been with one employer for ten years or more, we do not feel that they should have to walk away with only a smile and a handshake in the event that they decide to leave that employer.”
“May this legislation bring relief to the minds of workers all across this country. May this legislation bring greater security to families large and small. May this legislation make new starts, the long hoped for but heretofore never affordable possible.”
Minister of Labour Hon. Patrice Nisbett expressed that this move reflects the Government’s philosophy to continue to develop the various sector of the economy.
“Our focus on these sectors is reflective of the government’s trust in the interest of all nationals and our residents to continue the development in the socio-economic platform and pillars that accentuate the economic strategy and vision and legacy of your Government.”
He added that he was proud to serve as the Minister of Labour at the time the government was implementing these new legislations.
“I am indeed humbled to be at this auspicious time the Minister of Labour. Others before me paid lip service to the value of labour to the development of this Federation without appreciating the importance, without implementing government’s policy agenda.
“I remind us that it is the labour…labour as in the sweat and skills of the working men and women, that continues to propel the nation ever upward. I believe I am correct in justifying and noting that without labour there is no work…and no work without labour.”
Also being launched was the new minimum wage package that is set to be instituted on November 1.
Dr. Douglas compared the new minimum wage in St. Kitts-Nevis with the rest of the region and emphasized that it is the highest amongst the lot.
He also made mention on new legislation that relieves minimum wage earners from paying any social levies.
