Last Updated on July 29, 2022, 1:54 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Prime Minister of the Twin Island Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, Timothy Harris, has restated his commitment to continuing two critical social safety net initiatives, namely the Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP) and the highly successful Alternative Lifestyle Pathway Programme, commonly referred to as the Peace Programme.
During the opening of the People’s Labour Party (PLP’s) Constituency Office in Sandy Point on Tuesday, June 28, The Prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis called the Peace Programme and the PAP Programme social safety nets that are needed to give the people of the Twin-Island Federation a basic standard of living. He urged that these programmes are crucial for them to be able to hold their heads above water and
The Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP) provides a monthly stipend of $500 to households with a gross monthly income of less than $3,000.
Since the start of this programme, thousands of families across the Federation have benefited from the initiative.
The Alternative Lifestyle Pathway Programme, or the peace programme, has led to a sharp decline in violent crimes that once plagued St Kitts and Nevis.
This change has come about by targeting individuals who engaged in criminal activity in the past or were under the influence of gangs. Under this programme, the government works on providing individuals with the opportunities and tools necessary to become productive and worthy members of society.
Dr Harris added that The Peace Programme is about empowering the people and giving them a second chance. He said that through this programme, the government is giving people an opportunity to turn from the wrong path into a new course of enlightenment, service and business.
The Alternative Lifestyle Pathway Programme has allowed several at-risk individuals within St Kitts and Nevis to develop businesses, which has helped create employment opportunities for other citizens of the Federation. Since the start of the current version of the programme, St Kitts and Nevis have seen a surprising decrease in homicides and gun-related crimes.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
