Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 02, 2022 (SKNIS): Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, expressed solidarity with workers across the twin-island Federation, noting that the critical link “with, and among, workers” must be reinforced and protected.
In a national address to mark Labour Day 2022 on Monday, May 02, Prime Minister Harris said that this solidarity “is the glue that will continue to bind us together as a resilient nation, recognizing our common destiny and realizing our shared prosperity.”
The success of the Government’s ongoing response to the enormous economic challenges and resulting social fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is motivated by the “care and solidarity with workers” Dr. Harris indicated.
“So far, our people-centric and worker-centric policies and programmes have provided access to critical resources when they were needed most. The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that, to date, the Government has spent over $11.0 million through the stimulus flagship programmes such as our Income Support Programme on which we have spent $9.96 million, the Fuel Subsidy which to date, we have incurred costs of $377,500 and our Disability Support which so far has amassed some $722,000,” the Prime Minister stated. Dr. Harris, who is also the Minister of Finance, noted that the Government also invested $43.9 million in the Severance Fund to ensure that critical support was provided to 2,641 workers: 1,832 workers on St. Kitts and 809 workers on Nevis.
Another success story that has empowered workers is through the administration of labour.
“Over the years, we have demonstrated our solidarity with workers through the support provided to the workers’ unions,” said Prime Minister Harris. “We continue to support the work of unions through the tripartite arrangement for dialogue on labour issues and the world of work. The Government has funded the participation of union representatives to international labour events and continues to provide concessions on supplies and materials including materials for the construction and upgrade of union-owned premises.”
Dr. Harris indicated that efforts will continue to review issues related to compliance with the Social Security legislation and the Protection of Employment Act.
“We are determined to continue to build together our stronger, safer, future! Our workers – our precious human capital - are our single most important resource in this endeavour and their welfare is, and will always be paramount,” the Prime Minister concluded.
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