BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Government of National Unity is calling on all persons who were trained under the People’s Employment Programme (PEP) to apply what they learned on their various courses in an effort for the Federation to continue on its path of economic progress.
This call comes on the heels of the Government revamping the PEP with the introduction of the Students Technical and Entrepreneurial Programme (STEP) in which more hands-on skills will be provided to those persons seeking training under the new Team Unity’s initiative.
Addressing the 63 graduands in the presence of their family members and friends, Cabinet Secretary Josephine Huggins implored them to hold fast to what is noble and true, while making the facilitators proud of the work they had done.
“Shun whatever is baseless and false. You have a whole world of possibilities waiting for you. It is my hope that you grasp them with both hands, and any challenges you may face I pray that you will meet, surpass and surmount them with courage, grace and dignity.”
A recent release from the St. Kitts-Nevis Information Service indicated that a total of 71 PEP participants would have graduated from the training programme that was implemented by the Labour Administration and has been at the center of controversy.
The PEP trainees received skills training in the areas of Cosmetology, Office Administration, Electricity, Computer Graphics and Early Childhood Training.
“You have had the privilege of your country expending resources on your behalf to prepare you for whatever path you may choose in the future. As you embark on your respective careers, the time spent in preparation to bring you to this moment would have been well spent if you apply the knowledge, the expertise, the tutelage and the training imparted to you -as you now go out into the real world of work..,” Huggins said.
Just recently the programme was thrust back under the spotlight when Permanent Secretary within the Office of the Prime Minister, Osbert De Souza had ordered all PEP workers at the Newtown Community Centre to vacate the premises, promising them job placements and their usual stipends.
But former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas and a number of those worker had staged a protest against De Souza’s action.
Deputising for the Prime Minister who was away on Government business, Huggins said despite the fact that the participants came from differing backgrounds, they all share similar goals, in that “you are looking to make a better life for your selves”.
A large number of the graduands have already found permanent job placements.
