PM Drew recalls government policies in 2024 as key to securing livelihoods in St Kitts and Nevis

Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew of St Kitts and Nevis recalled policies of government implemented for citizens in 2024. He called all these steps, the most comprehensive in their region which has been playing a significant role in securing the livelihoods of the people of the island nation.

PM Terrance Drew shed light on the projects undertaken by his administration in order to ensure the financial stability of the citizens of his country. He stated that all these projects are a testament to their commitment to make every possible effort with a vision to elevate the growth of their country and provide a comfortable living to all the citizens.

“So far this year, our administration has worked to improve the financial well-being of all our people with a number of policies that are among the most comprehensive in our region,” stated PM Terrance Drew.

The policies emphasised by him include, Pensions for GAE Workers, increasing of minimum wage, Launching ASPIRE Program, Raising Social Security pension and increasing civil servants’ salaries.

Introducing pensions for GAE Workers

This Programme was designed by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis with a vision to protect and ensure financial stability for Government Auxiliary Employees. Under this programme, Prime Minister Terrance Drew commenced pension payments to hundreds of retired Government Auxiliary Employees, providing a significant and immediate financial relief.

This initiative was taken by the Prime Minister, Terrance Drew to address the past wrongs of the previous government and promote the welfare of its citizens.

Increasing the minimum wage

Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Dr Terrance Drew, the citizens were also benefited from a higher rate of pay. As, the authorities moved the minimum wage from $9 per hour or $360.00 per week to $10.75 per hour or $430.00 per week.

This step was taken by PM Drew in order to improve the standard of the living of the people in the workforce. Through this initiative, the leader of the country took a vital step towards providing a fair and liveable wage to all the workers in order to empower their workforce and allowing them to support their families and themselves without the strain of financial hardship and insecurity.

Raising the minimum Social Security pension

This programme was initiated by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis with a vision to raise the minimum Social Security Pension. A Social Security Age Pension is a monthly payment that is made to the people who has made several contributions to the Social Security Fund and has reached the age of 62.

LAUNCH OF ASPIRE PROGRAMME

PM Terrance Drew also launched ASPIRE (Achieving Success through Personal Investment, Resources, and Education) programme. This initiative was taken with a vision to provide the essential equipment, tool, knowledge and opportunities to the next generation of St Kitts and Nevis in order to build a bright financial future.

This programme was launched at Warner Park which outlined the commitment of the administration towards fostering financial literacy and economic empowerment among the young people of the country.

Increasing Civil Servants Salaries

The Government of St Kitts and Nevis had also marked an increase in the minimum wage of the Civil Servants in the initial month of the current year. The servants were benefitted from an 8% salary in 2023, which is almost equal to the double of the salary distributed throughout the year.

This policy was introduced by PM Drew in order to reduce cost-of-living pressures of the servants and improving their quality of life.

PM Terrance Drew said all these projects emphasised on their commitment and dedication towards safeguarding the life of the citizens and promoting the financial-well-being. “We are committed to securing our people’s livelihoods throughout their lives.”