Last Updated on August 7, 2024, 1:21 PM AST by Anthony Morris
On the Second Anniversary of the St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party’s (SKNLP) National Election Victory, the National Political Leader of SKNLP, Dr Terrance Michael Drew expressed gratitude and recalled their achievements.
Addressing the public on the celebration of the two-year tenure completion, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew stated that as the office gathered to commemorate the second anniversary of their victory on August 5, 2022, he was filled with immense pride and gratitude for the support and dedication of everyone.
“This celebration is not just a reminder of our triumph at the polls, but a testament to our collective commitment to building a brighter future for St Kitts and Nevis for striving for better with the St Kitts Nevis Labour Party at the helm,” expressed PM Drew.
During the celebration, the members also remembered the legacy of Glen ‘Ghost’ Philip, a former Minister of Government and the Parliamentary Representative for St Christopher 4. They mentioned that his tenure as the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports, et al., was marked by dedication, passion, and vision.
“As we remember him, let us be inspired by his commitment to service and his love for our nation,” Dr Drew added and further highlighted the journey over the past two years and how they have a lot to celebrate.
ECONOMIC MEASURES
Notably, the Labour Party has implemented various transformative initiatives under the Independence RESET programme, stimulating economic growth. Among these, the Independence 40 Workers Bonus of EC$1000 brought EC$45 million into the economy, directly benefiting the citizens.
The administration also addressed arrears in essential services, ensuring reconnection for residential SKELEC and Water Services customers, and eliminated penalties on National Housing Corporation mortgages.
A vital RESET was for the interest payments on outstanding land balances. These were reset to zero and appropriate extensions provided for payment instalments.
Efforts to make homeownership more accessible through the Build and Thrive Incentive, reduced VAT on building materials for first-time homeowners, have been supporting the citizens. Furthermore, interest rates have also been lowered on residential lands.
EFFORTS TOWARDS PUBLIC SERVICE
Showcasing commitment to public service workers, an 8% salary increase for all civil servants and pensioners, effective January 2024, and a 50% Christmas bonus in 2023. The national minimum wage has also been increased to $430 weekly for all workers. The pensions for Government Auxiliary Employees (GAEs) and other monthly-paid government workers employed on or after May 18, 2012 have been operationalised. Retired GAEs receive their pension payments, inclusive of back payments to January 2024.
HEALTHCARE MEASURES
In healthcare, the deployment of four new triage officers at the JNF General Hospital have been done, reducing wait times by 40%. Instalment of new air conditioning units in the medical and surgical wards, restored the hospital’s roof with support from the Republic of China (Taiwan), and upgraded the water system.
The renovation of the hospital lobby, funded by The Cable, and the commencement of construction on the MRI Building are critical steps towards enhancing our healthcare services.
Our vision for a climate-smart JNF General Hospital and the transformative Project Start to establish the nation’s first health city are also progressing well.
FOSTERING SOCIAL SECURITY
Social security benefits have been improved, with an increase in the pension to $500 and the funeral grant benefit to $3000. St Kitts Nevis partnership with Southern University in Louisiana is already yielding significant benefits in higher education and agriculture for the students.
The nation has passed over 20 critical pieces of legislation to improve the lives of public, discovered a new well providing potable water in Cayon, and commenced construction of two new desalination plants to ensure a sustainable water supply.
In addition to all these measures, several job offers for the youth and the citizens of the country have been provided and efforts to increase the national security curbing increasing crime and violence have also been implemented.
PM Drew also stated that as their administration enters the third year of the administration, the administration pledges to start the construction of smart homes, a new modern Basseterre High School, completion of MRI Building at JNF Hospital.
Minister of Sports, Creative Economy, Samal Duggins also took his Facebook to share their two year anniversary celebration .
Concluding the address, the PM extended thanks to fellow Cabinet colleagues and for the support, love, and dedication of the St Kitts Nevis Labour Party Comrades.
“Thank you, and may we continue to work together for the prosperity of St Kitts and Nevis.”
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.
