Last Updated on October 28, 2022, 3:02 AM AST by Anthony Morris
In line with the promises made by Dr Terrance Drew and his Labour Government, more than 2,000 frontline workers received honorarium payments in October.
The Government of St Kitts and Nevis has made these payments while recognizing the frontline workers’ efforts, sacrifice, and sterling service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister and Minister of Health in the Government of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, declared that paying an honorarium to frontline workers was a priority for his Government, which was elected in August 2022.
The Government of St Kitts and Nevis paid more than $4 million to the qualifying frontline workers. The beneficiaries of the honorarium payments were employees within agencies in the Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of National Security, Saint Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority, Ministry of Tourism and St Kitts Tourism Authority, SKNIS and ZBC staff, and the Ministry of Health.
During the first sitting of the parliament of St Kitts and Nevis, which was held on October 27, 2022, at the general assembly, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew spoke about the honorarium payments. He stated that he would be the first person to admit that you can never give enough money to anybody who would have put their life on the line. However, this is a gesture to say we value you and we appreciate you,”
During the debate, Member of Parliament for Nevis’ Constituency #11, Alexis Jeffers, applauded the Government for its decision.
“Just recently, the government of St Kitts and Nevis paid some monies or honorarium to those on the frontline, which is commendable,” he said.
Minister Jeffers also added that the Nevis Island Administration would likely follow the lead of Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew.
During Thursday’s National Assembly Sitting, the members of the parliament and the Government of St Kitts and Nevis repealed the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Act, officially rolling back restrictive measures put in place to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Act came into effect in January 2021.
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.
