BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DESPITE the increasing strain that the Youth Empowerment through Skill (YES) programme is placing on government’s finances, Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas has pledged to continue financing the programme even if it would mean incurring significant debts.
During his weekly “Ask the PM” radio show, a caller enquired about additional financing for the increase in the number of participants in the programme, indicating a 400 increase from its original plan to accommodate only 500 young persons.
In response, PM Douglas said the YES programme is “critically important” not only as part of the government’s stimulation package but it was also recommended in the National Consultation on crime held in December last year. Douglas added that it is important to continue financing the project as activities made available to “young people who are idle” may reduce inclination to crime.
“We shall find the money because we have linked this programme with a number of activities that we have secured financing for from friendly governments who are willing to work with us through this problem of our restless youth in St. Kitts-Nevis. And also, of course, to create a new skills-based economy that is going to be responsive to the services industry that we are creating here in St. Kitts-Nevis,” Douglas said.
The Prime Minister argued that the need to maintain the project’s financing surpasses any concern of increased debt, and added that assistance from other governments is expected to maintain the programme.
“Yes, we have a high debt and even if it may require incurring additional debt, we shall try to do so. But, so far, we have been able to identify funds from friendly governments that are engaged in a number of joint activities with us…and as result of those activities and commitments, we should be able to finance this important project,” Douglas added.
PM Douglas said he was heartened to hear young men and women, who have been idle for years, testify publicly how the YES programme has impacted them in a “very positive way”.
“Let us give these projects the chance to help our young people in particular,” the PM said.
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