Shawn Seabrookes
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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| Prime Minister Dr. The Hon. Denzil Douglas during a press conference At Government Headquarters, on Wednesday afternoon, March 7, pictured with Minister of Public Works, Utilities and Posts, Dr. The Hon. Earl 'Asim' Martin |
(Basseterre; St. Kitts): Nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis could soon be the beneficiaries of two separate housing schemes, to be funded by the Government of Venezuela.
This disclosure was made by Prime Minister Dr. The Hon. Denzil Douglas during a press conference At Government Headquarters, on Wednesday afternoon, March 7th.
The press conference came on the heels of the Prime Minister's visit to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, where he had fruitful discussions with President Hugo Chavez, and the Republic of Cuba.
Prime Minister Douglas indicated that he informed President Chavez of his Government's aim to continue to provide affordable housing to nationals, especially in the wake of the closure of the Sugar Industry, which was the island's main industry, over 18 months ago.
According to St. Kitts and Nevis' Prime Minister, a team is expexted in the Federation shortly, to conduct a feasibility study with respect to the construction of the houses.
Once the project commences, the Prime Minister stated that the houses will be highly subsidized, so that locals can afford them.
Additionally, resident s who presently live in the starter homes, or what is commonly known as the 'half a hog head', will have the opportunity to have additions made to their homes, once funding is secured from the Venezuelan Government.
In addition to the housing schemes, Dr. Douglas also revealed that significant strides have been made in the securing of technical and financial assistance for another work experience programme, to give the country's youth relevant and essential technical and vocational skills and job experience.
He spoke of the initial project, which was conducted in 1995 and siad it was quite a success and his Government was of the view that a revised and more sound work experience project could be conducted again to give young people in St. Kitts and Nevis the opportunity to get hands on job training while at the same time getting a stipend for their efforts.
Prime Minister Douglas indicated that President Chavez nodded his head in agreement for the provision of technical and monetary assistance in the programme.
The Federation's Leader also spoke highly of the relations between St. Kitts and Nevis and Cuba and indicated that his delegation and that of Cuba had excellent discussions on how to build on their already strong relations.
He indicated that Cuba has contributed significantly to the development of the education and health sectors in St. Kitts and Nevis. ~~adz:Right~~
Presently, a number of students have are studying or completed studies in Cuba, including 15 doctors, and there are ongoing discussions to open opportunities for these doctors to continue their education to become specialists.
Dr. Douglas indicated hat he was overjoyed to meet with the 27 female nurses from the Federation who are currently in Cuba studying to become trained nurses, and said he was especially thrilled to hear them speak fluent Spanish, after just several months in Cuba.
A number of other developmental issues were discussed with Cuba and Venezuela, and the Prime Minister indicated that they are testament to the good relations between St. Kitts and Nevis and the two countries.
Prime Minster Douglas headed a six member delegation, which included Minister of Public Works, Utilities and Posts, Dr. The Hon. Earl 'Asim' Martin, on the official visit to both countries.
