BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MIXED reactions are being had from ex-sugar workers about the government’s recent announcement that the lump sum of EC$16M in severance packages would be paid later this week.
When the current administration got into office in February of this year, it repeated its promise to pay outstanding monies to those who were shortchanged or who did not receive any payment following the 2005 closure of the sugar industry.
The $16M was secured in March, 2015 from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela however, the former sugar workers still had to wait for their payday to arrive, as the Sugar Workers' Restoration Fund office and had to sift through more than 3000 applicants.
In late April, the nation was informed by Prime Minister Dr. the Hon, Timothy Harris that payment would not be made until this month and last week during his monthly press conference, he informed that as part of the 32nd Independence celebration, the EC$16M would be distributed to the ex-sugar workers on Friday (Sept. 18).
He said after the applicants were measured against the five criteria points, it was decided that 1861 ex-sugar workers would be the beneficiaries of the payout.
SKNVibes spoke with a number of these former sugar workers who, according to the information they gave, worked at the SSMC for between 10 and 30 years prior to its closure.
All expressed that they are more than pleased that the payout is finally taking place but most indicated their concern that some individuals would still be left without payment.
“The Prime Minister said 1861 people would receive some money from the $16M and I can understand that. But if there were more than 3000 applicants, it means many people would not receive anything,” one male told SKNVibes on condition of anonymity.”
“I have waited soo long for this time to come and now there is no certainty that I would receive what I am owed. Right now I am just keeping my fingers crossed and hope that when Friday comes, I would find out that my name is on the list and I would be able to collect my cheque”, another male expressed.
A female former worker echoes the sentiments expressed above but claimed that she is trying not to approach the situation with pessimism but rather with a positive outlook.
“Yes, I have concerns but it makes no sense for me to worry about something that I have no control over. I believe that my name is there and I will finally get what belongs to me. I remember for years and years I had to work hard just to earn a living and when the industry closed and we were promised monies; some got, some didn’t get and some didn’t get all. The only thing to do now is go to the office on Friday and see if a package is there for us. That is all we can do now.”
According to PM Harris, the 1861 beneficiaries of the EC$16M payout represents a 92 percent increase from the 916 individuals who benefitted from the 2005-2006 payout.
Harris, who is also the Minister of Finance, indicated that the payments would be distributed by the Sugar Workers’ Restoration Fund’s office.
