BASSTERRE, St. Kitts – THE majority of young people involved in the People Employment Programme (PEP) has been placed in privately-owned business establishments.
This disclosure was made today (Apr. 9) by the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, during his 2013 Budget Address before the National Assembly.
“Following on my announcement at our National Consultation on the Economy, I am pleased to update you, this Honourable House and the citizens of this country, that we have not only developed the specifics of the programme which is called PEP, but have successfully enrolled 2 795 young persons and placed1 412. The majority of these persons have been placed in the private sector.”
PM Douglas explained that the Project would be focused on building vocational, social and life skills as well as entrepreneurship.
“Under this Project, focus will be placed on building vocational skills, social and life skills and entrepreneurship. PEP is designed to target unemployed youths by providing training and internship opportunities to build skills necessary for the new economy. The core areas of training include building trades, beauty services, hotel and tourism, environment, renewable energy, agriculture and ICTs.”
Dr. Douglas stated that it was implemented by the National Skills Training Programme (NSTP) in collaboration with partners in training and business, and that the participants are being paid from the SIDF.
In his appeal to the private sector, Dr. Douglas said, “I therefore take the opportunity to appeal to private sector entities to continue to participate in this vital project that will provide real opportunities for our young people to learn, to grow and to acquire the necessary skills that will enable them to make their individual and collective contribution to the growth and development of our Nation.”
Leading up to the PEP topic, which came under the broad subject of Fiscal and Other Strategic Measures, PM Douglas said, “Mr. Speaker, we cannot discuss or make plans for improving growth prospects in the Federation without including some measure that involves education and training.”
The SIDF-funded pilot project was launched on December 21, 2012 with the aim of bringing relief to the unemployed.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Hon. Nigel Carty informed the large gathering that PEP comprises six projects that target nationals of varying ages and employment interest.
The following are the projects and what they seek to achieve:
1. Engaging Qualified Interns Project (EQuIP) is a job placement which seeks to develop the skill sets of unemployed, academically qualified citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis through a period of internship with established private and public sectors;
2. National Infrastructure Improvement Project (NIIP) seeks to stimulate economic development through infrastructural enhancement and the provision of employment opportunities to participants in the programme;
3. Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (STED) seeks to enhance the entrepreneurial and/or technical skills of participants through the conduct of classroom-type and practical training by experienced personnel;
4. Women In Small Enterprise (WISE) seeks to empower prospective and exciting women in small enterprises through the provision of micro-finance grant support of up to $2 500 and training in micro-enterprise management;
5. Agri-Enterprise Training and Management (ATM) seeks to promote local agricultural production and hence increase participant's income earning capacity and reduce the nation's reliance on imported products; and
6. Women In Construction Trade (WICT) seeks to increase employment opportunities for women who often, due to the demands of their primary roles as caregivers, are unable to develop the skills required to engage in meaningful income earning activities.
