BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - IN what some had said to be a political ploy when initiated in 2018, Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris confirmed that there would soon be a substantial financial increase in the Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP).
The announcement was made last evening (Jun. 30) as the Prime Minister spoke on his People’s Labour Party platform, where he disclosed that the popular programme would see an increase from September 1.
Launched in December 2018, the PAP provides every household earning less the EC$3,000 per month with an additional EC$500 to raise them out of what is being described as poverty.
Speaking at that launch, Dr. Harris said the Programme was the Government’s way of acknowledging the cries of citizens in need. Since then, it has benefited more than 1,000 households.
“Only the PLP can improve on the PAP programme. And I shall increase the monthly stipend. I shall increase it from September 1st,” PM Harris stated at the opening of the party’s Constituency Two Office.
Meanwhile, the PLP’s Representative in that Constituency, Nubian Greaux, raised concern that the programme might be under threat if the party is not returned to government, suggesting that the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party and the People’s Action Movement/Concerned Citizens Movement might get rid of it.
“A vote for Nubian is a vote to keep the PAP. Don’t let Labour put these programmes at risk. Only by voting PLP and maintaining the leadership of Dr. Timothy Harris can these programmes be preserved and improved upon.”
No date has yet been announcement for the General Elections.
