BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THERE seems to almost never be a consensus on issues affecting the populace of St. Kitts and Nevis and the recent declaration by the Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas about the increase of the minimum wage has drawn the same reaction with some appreciating the gesture while other critically question.
Prime Minister Douglas’ Independence 31 announcement was that the minimum wage is to be increased and effective November 1, 2014, it would shift from $320 to $360.
SKNVibes took to the streets of Basseterre recently and spoke with a number of individuals about their views on the increase.
A female entrepreneur – whose business is located in Basseterre - expressed that the increase was a step in the right direction but seriously questioned how much it would really help with people having to make “staggering vat payments” on food and other essential goods and services.
Located at the Bay Road, a female vendor noted that it was the step in the right direction but added that in the near future it needs to be revisited so that those who are paid minimum wage can continue to cope with the ever-increasing cost of living.
A male member of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force stated that he felt the increase could have been more, but welcomed the announcement.
A cashier by profession, a female said the increase was “a step in the right direction” but another individual disclosed that he sees the increase “as nothing more than a political gimmick” and questioned whether minimum wage workers would feel the effects of the pay increase.
The cost of living, according to one individual, should have been addressed before there is any increase in the minimum wage.
Contentment was the expression of a male but he did express his hope that it would not hamper businesses’ operations in terms of having to layoff individuals or close operations because of the increased wage bill.
“I guess it is a good thing. The increase depends on the individual and their particular circumstances. Can they get by on it? Do they have children? Are they single parents? Etc. For me, I think he could have left it at $380,” another interviewee expressed.
“While I think it is a good gesture, I think it is too little too late. It would do very little in offsetting the expenses which we all have including the back-breaking VAT,” a young woman told SKNVibes.
This publication is interested in hearing about your views on the matter and you can do so by leaving a comment below.
