Last Updated on August 25, 2021, 8:29 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Basseterre: St Kitts and Nevis’ additional income support program implemented in July 2021 has so far received 3,733 applications, said St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris on Tuesday during his monthly press conference.
The program was set up as a measure to help the people of St Kitts and Nevis, especially the poor and vulnerable affected by COVID-19,
The Ministry of Finance received a total of 3,733 applications on 23 August 2021. So far, 1,886 applications have been approved, claims will be processed daily until the cut-off of 15 September 2021, when no further claims will be accepted, said Prime Minister Harris.
He announced the revenue support program for 2021 during his monthly press conference on 08 July. The revenue support program was one in a series of comprehensive economic mitigation measures to help workers and self-employed individuals, as well as small, medium and large corporations.
Other revenue mitigation measures include the fuel subsidy program, which has received a total of 106 applications from bus operators, with 92 applications approved so far. The Disability Support Program had a total of 119 approved applications, while all the applications received under the Food Truck Vendors Support Program were approved by the Ministry of Finance and paid for by the Treasury.
Prime Minister Harris said the comprehensive purposeful and far-reaching stimulus package has since brought relief to many people.
This stimulus package is also expected to contribute to economic recovery. “We supported this package, despite the very destabilizing impact of COVID-19 on government tax revenue. We did this because we are committed to providing the best quality of life to all our citizens and residents,” said Dr Harris. “In fact, over the past 17 months, we have granted several tax exemptions and deferrals, although this has further reduced the cash inflow for the federal government. We did it because people care about us. We feel their suffering and pain, and we will do everything in our power to reduce their problems. We ask our people to protect themselves, to be vaccinated so that they can move on with their lives and contribute to their well-being and that of their families and loved ones.”
Prime Minister Harris has indicated that his government will continue to do everything in its power to provide support to individuals, especially those who are having a difficult time and a helping hand and need a helping hand to help them out of poverty to lead from abuse, from a life of crime, from extreme dependence.
“Yes, I will never ignore those who fall behind. Our stimulus will help to temporarily bridge the gaps and inequalities in our society caused by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Our social safety nets are intended to reach the disadvantaged communities and help them improve their quality of life through our Poverty Alleviation Program (PAP) and a wide range of social safety net programs spread across different ministries, such as health, education, social development, etc.,”he said.
“More than $50 million will be spent this year to bring some dignity to our vulnerable sons and daughters, including abused women, foster children and those for whom we bring real improvements in other areas of their lives.”
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.
