Last Updated on December 20, 2023, 3:37 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis and Minister of Finance, provided an update on the progress made with the ELEVATE Programme during the 2024 Budget debate.
The ELEVATE programme was launched in July 2023. replacing the problematic Alternative Lifestyle Pathways Programme (ALPP), also known as the “Peace Programme.”
Prime Minister Dr. Drew highlighted the ELEVATE Programme’s focus on human development through training, distinguishing it from the Peace Programme, which had several shortcomings.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew announced the implementation of Youth Skills training, partnering with TVET for certification and STEP for skills training empowerment.
“are not going to separate the participants by where they live because that will only strengthen the idea of having a criminal organization. We want people to be grouped based on interest, and that helps break down a lot of the differences you find from community to community”. Said PM, Drew.
Prime Minister Dr Drew has made efforts to prevent accountability and transparency issues from recurring in the ELEVATE Programme.
The prime minister plans to regularly evaluate program participants, aiming to transition them with new knowledge and skills to contribute to national development positively.
Further, he highlighted that a lifelong program is not effective in rehabilitating individuals, as it does not equip them with the necessary skills for success.
Dr Drew highlighted that the programme will soon operate from its new office location on the Bay Road where the participants will now have a fixed space for meetings and training, as well as access to computers for career planning activities.
PM Terrance Drew emphasized that the office will have a staff of professional individuals, including conflict resolution experts and psychologists, available Monday through Friday to address any issues.
The ELEVATE Programme will provide structured training twice daily, four days per week for the employees.
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.
