Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 01, 2014 (SKNIS) -- Participants of the People Employment Programme (PEP) in Nevis are displaying a renewed sense of commitment in their work having been inspired by their recent interaction with Prime Minister the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas at a social event.
Kurlyn Jones, manager of the Nevis programme, expressed that PEP workers are still sharing their engaging experience with the Prime Minister at a cocktail reception at the Nevis Performing Arts Center. It was attended by PEP participants, employers and other stakeholders.
“Our PEP participants have experienced an increased sense of optimism after the Prime Minister’s visit - in part due to his commitment that the program is here to stay,” Ms. Jones stated. “Many participants have displayed an even greater appreciation for the opportunity to receive training and hands on working experience at various public and private sector institutions in the many areas provided by the PEP.”
Prime Minister Douglas, accompanied by Nevis Parliamentarian and Federal Cabinet Minister, the Honourable Patrice Nisbett mingled with a crowd of over 300 persons.
“PEP was specifically introduced to make sure that persons were given a second chance,” said Prime Minister Douglas. “It was introduced to stimulate economic activity. It [was] designed to ensure that the possible drift ... with regard to our unemployed youth, would go away and we would have our young people in particular, gainfully engaged in wholesome activities that would add to their own personal advancement and the development of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
As such he presented a simple formula that he encouraged the participants to remember: respect for one’s self, respect for others, discipline and hard work.
“I want you to work hard,” Prime Minister Douglas stressed. “I want you to absorb all of the training that you can get. I want you not to waste the money that is being invested by the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF). I want you to know that when you would have succeeded to a large extent in being adequately trained, you also can receive support and assistance from the SIDF to establish yourself as self employed persons.”
The St. Kitts and Nevis leader thanked Minister Nisbett for his support in Cabinet and pledged that the People Employment Programme will continue to positively impact the lives of young people across the federation.
Countries around the world including Canada, Germany, St. Lucia and Dominica have introduced similar programmes to the PEP which was launched in St. Kitts and Nevis in 2012.
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