BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Labour Department has become more proactive in the way it is engaging employees in the marketplace, according to Premier of Nevis and Senior Minister in the Federal Government, the Hon. Vance Amory.
He said for many years the Department was seen as an agency that was primarily “reactive” to situations in the market but the government department has taken up the initiative to go out and engage employees, including those who work in the factories and those in the hotel industry.
Since taking office in 2015, the Team Unity Government has been investigating illegal workers at various jobsites around the Federation, and having them become documented.
The government in clamping down on those illegal workers, found that many private companies did not provide the requisite working conditions that was necessary for employees.
“Our job as the Ministry of Labour is to go there and educate the people as to what is their responsibility, both as an employer and as employees. It is my belief that if we do that and do it consistently, and we can enlist all of the support of those who hire and those who work, that we can have a change and a more efficient Labour system in St. Kitts and Nevis,” Amory explained.
He said that it is not about work but rather it is about working efficiently, for the good and future prosperity of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
According to Amory, the poor labour relations in St. Kitts and Nevis would result in flat economic output for the Federation and economic activities for the country.
“I want you to begin to look at things in that light, there is more to it than I support a party. We have to ensure that we put our country first,” the Minister noted.
Mr. Amory emphasised that the Team Unity Government, under the leadership of Dr. Timothy Harris, would ensure that the message gets to the public.
