By Monique Washington
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Minister of Finance, Hon Dr. Timothy Harris has announced that for the third year in a row government workers will receive double salary.
Speaking to the Nation this morning, the PM noted that based on the “excellent assessment of our fiscal health,” workers can expect double salary on Dec. 14th.
“The double salary will apply to all employees of the Federal Government, including the Government Auxiliary Employees (GAEs) or non-establishment workers; persons on STEP; pensioners; CFBC, and the NIA. Statutory Corporations, such as SKELEC, SCASPA, NHC, the Tourism Authority, etc., have also been encouraged to make payments to their employees,” he said.
The PM also announced the launch of The Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP) on Dec. 21, when the initial payment of $500 will be made to the responsible person in those households that qualify for this support.
“The programme is designed to provide this special stipend of $500 every month to vulnerable households that earn less than $3000 per month across St. Kitts and Nevis. This is a major development – one of the best social development initiatives to be implemented over the past 30 years, and fulfils a promise made by our Team Unity Administration in the campaign leading up to the historic General Elections in 2015,” he said.
In addition to double salary and the launching of the PAP the Government has decided to restore and pay the annual December holiday pay to the Government Auxiliary Employees (GAEs) or non-establishment workers on Dec. 14.
“Our Nation is moving in the right direction. Let us all unite and move forward with our Government of National Unity.”
The full speech will be printed in this week’s edition of The St. Kitts and Nevis Observer.
