Last Updated on April 27, 2023, 8:08 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis is hosting the zonal constituency meeting jointly with the Parliamentary representative of Constituency Number 1, East Basseterre. Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley. The constituency meetings are hosted every month on the last Wednesday. However, for the April conference edition, Dr Terrance Drew teamed up with his Deputy and hosted a zonal meeting for both constituencies’ members.
Dr Terrance Drew took over the stage of the zonal meeting. In his opening remarks, PM Drew applauded the parliamentary representative for all the work that he has done for the people of Constituency One. At the same time, he took the opportunity to urge the people to support their parliamentary representative as he works hard for the people.
While making remarks in the zonal meeting, Dr Drew discussed the country’s minimum wage issue. He stated that during the campaign trail, they had asserted that they were interested in giving the workers of St Kitts and Nevis a justifiable or just wage.
Dr Terrance Drew stated that they want to give the people of St Kitts and Nevis a wage that can bring them closer to living the kind of life they envision. At least, the people in St Kitts and Nevis should be given a salary to afford the necessities.
Dr Terrance Drew asserted that they had discussed the increase in the people’s minimum wage. The increase in wages would improve the life of the people. At the same time, it would increase the people’s opportunity to get more wealth. Dr Drew clarified that your social security is improved when you work for a higher wage. He talked about the various ways in which higher wages can improve the life of the people.
He shared that with higher wages, your chances of getting a mortgage will increase, you will have the opportunity to send your child to school and more. However, PM Terrance Drew clarified that people must also be diligent in their work.
Regarding Labour Day’s significance, Dr Terrance Drew stated that when Labour Day was formulated, no one asked for anything more than improved working conditions and fairer wages. Accordingly, the administration is working hard to give more equitable wages to the people of St Kitts and Nevis.
Dr Terrance Drew also talked about the development bank. He informed the people about the small business loans they offer in the development bank to assist them in setting up and running their small businesses. He also shared that they have started a new initiative to offer student loans at reduced interest rates.
Dr Drew clarified that the students do not have to pay any loan instalments for the first four years, and the payments can start later when the child has returned from university. The Prime Minister stated that this is similar to waiving off the interest for the loan, as the students will save upwards of $100,000 in loan repayment through this initiative of the government.
Both Dr Drew and Dr Hanley spoke to the members of the two constituencies and gave them some critical updates regarding the developments and projects that the government has been putting in for the people’s future. The Deputy Prime Minister spoke to the people of his constituency first regarding several initiatives, including the housing development, construction and demolition projects in the west street of West Basseterre.
Additionally, he discussed employment initiatives that the government has taken up to employ the people of St Kitts and Nevis within the government. Dr Hanley said they had employed more than a thousand people in the government. The deputy Prime Minster, who handles the Ministry of Ageing and Disability, announced that they are hosting a seniors prom for the elderly population of the country.
In line with this, he urged the diaspora people to donate gowns for the seniors’ prom. “Don’t worry about the sizes. Whatever gown you send, we will find a senior for it”, Said Deputy Prime Minster Geoffrey Hanley, addressing the diaspora members.,
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.
