Measures will bring relief to low income earners, vulnerable groups
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| St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas with elderly residents at Independence Celebrations at Camp Springfield(Photos by Erasmus Williams) |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JANUARY 3RD 2008 (CUOPM) – The caring Labour Party Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said that measures it has already taken and some still to be implemented will bring relief to the low income earners and groups in the country.
In his New Year’s address, Dr. Douglas said his government, which assumed office in July 1995, will continue to protect all vulnerable groups in the society including the poor and the elderly.
“We expect our initiatives in respect of the reduction of the cost of living will bring much relief to them and to the entire population.
In particular, we have restricted the margins that wholesalers and retailers can levy on certain goods that make up a high percentage of the basket of goods typically consumed by low-income families, and we have placed a cap on the fuel surcharge to offer our people some protection from the devastating impact of increased oil prices,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
He said that his Labour Party Administration has also provided an interim salary increase to the public servants in order to assist them in coping with increases in the cost of living and expect to provide them the remaining portion of their increase as soon as the relevant study is completed and approved later this year.
