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Page:1 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 News
Page:2 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 LOCAL NEWS
News
Taiwanese
Embassy offers
Digital Expo
to showcase
products
From L-R: Sen. Wendy Phipps, Amb. Tom Lee and Giselle Matthew
By Loshaun Dixon council, and we want to other means.” and Communication development of small is- ICTs, and other areas
welcome Kittitians and Technologies (ICTs), for land states such as ours.” of endeavour including
Although many events Nevisians to go to the She urged the business which they are now world healthcare advancements,
have fallen victim to website to have a look. community and the gen- leaders, and this expo, is She continued, “When which are now second to
COVID-19, thanks You won’t be limited to eral public to visit the ex- a further demonstration we would have inves- none globally, we recog-
to technology, the the Taiwan Expo in St. pos and take advantage of of that. The Taiwanese tigated the growth of nize that a lot of it would
Taiwanese Expo has now Kitts and Nevis, we will the digital platform. example of development Taiwan in terms of in- have started with very
taken a virtual form and is showcase agricultural is one for us to model the vestments in agriculture, humble beginnings.”
officially open machinery and products. “It gives us an opportu-
Also, you can go to other nity to look beyond just
Resident Ambassador of Taiwan Expos in other the usual scope of where
the Republic of China countries.” we would import from,
(ROC Taiwan) to St. Kitts and start looking beyond.
and Nevis, His Excellency Ambassador Lee assured The accessibility today in
Tom Lee, speaking at that the embassy will the global world in which
the launch of the Virtual work tirelessly to further we live is providing us
Expo, gave background promote economic ties with many opportunities
into the event. with St. Kitts and Nevis “ to import good products. I
for the benefit of our two assume there will be com-
“At the start of last great people.” petitive pricing, so that
She urged the business community and
the general public to visit the expos and
take advantage of the digital platform.
year, our Embassy uses President of the we have accessibility, and
Agricultural Day to host a Chamber of Industry we can continue to build
trade fair in order to fur- and Commerce, Giselle our relationship with the
ther deepen our economic Matthew, said the virtual Taiwanese.”
ties with St. Kitts and expo keeps the door open
Nevis, as well as to show- for trading opportunities. Minister of International
case Taiwan’s excellent Trade, Industry and
products to our friends.” “It does take away some Commerce, Wendy
of the human element and Phipps, hailed the
He said due to the the opportunity to net- Taiwanese ingenuity and
COVID-19 pandemic, the work directly with the ex- resilience for present-
embassy could not host it porter or the producer, but ing the virtual expo, af-
physically, and their gov- at the same time, it is also ter COVID would have
ernment set up an online opening up an avenue for limited the possibility of
trade fair platform, so it many people who would them hosting the physical
will be easier for people not have been able to at- event
to use it. tend the actual expo for
whatever reasons, and we
“This platform was de- can share that accessibil-
signed by Taiwan’s inter- ity through our smart- “Their longstanding in-
nal trade and development phones, computers and vestment in Information
LOCAL
NewsNEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 Page:3
Police probe whether shootings in
Nevis related
Photos from the crime scene
By Monique Washington porch of his father’s home “We are trying to find out
in Colquhoun’s Housing what were the motives
Police in Nevis are inves- Project. behind the shootings. We
tigating two recent shoot- are investigating both, but
ings - one of which left The Police said that they have not concluded any-
a young man dead – to “received a report just af- thing yet,” he said.
determine whether the in- ter 11 a.m. on Friday that
cidents are related in any someone was shot and fa- David made an appeal to
way. tally wounded in the area. the public to come forward
When Officers visited if they know something
Last Thursday (December the scene, they found the
“We are trying to find out what were the motives
behind the shootings. We are investigating
both, but have not concluded anything yet,”
10) at around 6 pm, motionless body Nisbett “If you know or saw
Denrick Pemberton of of the same area on his ve- something, come forward
Hanley’s Road was walk- randa with multiple gun- and let’s bring the perpe-
ing his dog in the area, shot wounds. The District trator to justice. The pub-
when an unknown indi- Medical Officer examined lic needs answers and the
vidual fired several shots the body and pronounced family needs answers. If
at him. He was struck in Nisbett dead. Personnel you know something, you
the leg. from the Forensic Service can call 707 and give the
Unit processed the scene information. You will re-
According to a Police and items of evidential main anonymous. But we
statement, Pemberton value were collected. need the public’s help,” he
managed to make it home Investigations into the said.
and was transported to matter are ongoing”.
the Alexandra Hospital, Nisbett’s murder marks
where he was treated and Speaking with the the second homicide in
warded. Observer on Wednesday, Nevis for 2020. The first
Superintendent Lydon was 20-year-old Jevon
Less than 24 hours later, David said that they are Brandy of Brown Hill,
36-year-old businessman looking into both inci- whose body was found
Bernel “Ikey” Nisbett dents, and are investigat- lying along the roadside in
of Jessups Village as ing if they are in any way Neugent’s Heights, with
gunned down on the related. apparent gunshot wounds.
Page:4 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 News
EDITORIAL
EDitorial
Powering the economy
The promise of geothermal energy for Nevis has been and will 10th, St Kitts broke ground for a facility that can yield about a
continue to be a long term promise if its development follows its third of energy needed on the island from 100 acres of land. (by
history. comparison, 640 acres is equivalent to 1 sq mile). And, of course,
solar fencing is becoming a stable component in our food security
In the region, St Lucia talked about geo-energy since the 70’s drive.
essentially without success. The Commonwealth of Dominica
started in 2006 with limited success. Guadeloupe has geothermal We do not expect cheaper energy in the short run as the initial
energy since the 1980’s ane even though it expanded its capacity in investment (US$70M in this case) must be repaid, and with interest.
2005, it is producing less than 5% of its energy needs. St Vincent & But we are confident that there will be reductions in the long run,
the Grenadines has not fared much better. To date, in Nevis, the talk especially as non-renewable resources are consumed.
has “survived” 3 administrations, none of which has seen it come to
fruition. It appears to be on our front burner once again. Affordable energy is a big deal. It attracts investment and can
buffer labour costs. That is why we are happy for St Kitts and
The argument for geothermal energy is convincing: it is renewable hopeful for Nevis. But while Nevis waits for geothermal, perhaps it
and therefore “green”, it is less polluting than fossil fuel energy. should explore solar energy too. Maybe both would be compatible.
The problem seems to be that it is being overtaken in those
departments by other forms of renewable energy, notably solar
energy.
While Nevis has been talking about geothermal energy and
promising to supply neighbouring islands, solar energy has taken
off worldwide, including here in the Federation. We see solar
farms at the RLB, at the ECCB, at Needsmust, and on the roofs of
several major businesses – mostly on St. Kitts. Now, on December
News
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 Page:5
Virtual Sugar Mas opens with a bang
Highlights of
Sugar Mas opening
By Loshaun Dixon The night also featured and Nevis was able to further congratulate Miss He said plans are already She said the hosting of the
folklore performances host Carnival, although Hawley, as she is one, the in place for “an explo- events were able to assist
A “redefined Sugar Mas from Masquerades, Bull a downsized and virtual youngest person to take sion of revelry for the calypsonians, entertain-
49” was officially opened and the Actors putting on model.” on this role; two, the first 50th year of Sugar Mas in ers’ folklore, troupes’
last weekend in a virtual cultural presentations. and only female to have 2021. bands, MCs and various
ceremony that is being He said he was honoured this honour; and three, the Carnival stakeholders
described by many as the Famous banjo man and to be opening his inaugu- only person to be in this “I continue to encourage during these unprecedent-
greatest carnival opening. guitarist James “Pepper” ral Sugar Mas as Minister position more than once, everyone to support and ed times.
Hamilton of Jingle Bell of Culture, as small as this here being the second participate in all the ac-
The night featured per- and Hotshot String Band the celebrations may be. stint.” tivities for Sugar 49 - log “The effort, enthusiasm,
formances from the on and share the live, and dedication and cre-
reigning primary school “We have been able to develop and deliver a increase the viewership of ativity of the Carnival
Junior Calypso Monarch, all our events.” Committee and the entire
reigning Female revised National Carnival Calendar consisting production team to date
Calypso Queen, Queen He then officially opened is redefining the way we
Independent, Rucas HE, of a series of scaled back, safe virtual Sugar Sugar Mas 49. are celebrating our 49th
and Kollision Band anniversary. In this pan-
among others, with the Mas 49 events to appease the Carnival cravings Carnival Chair Shannon demic it is by no means
patriotic part of the eve- Hawley said that despite an easy feat, and must be
ning featuring Dejour, of not only residents of St. Kitts and Nevis, but the insurmountable chal- commended. Our focus
Mention, Infamus and thousands of regional and international carnival lenges faced with the going forward is to grow
Vernelle Powell, Mimi COVID-19 pandemic our Carnival product
Armstrong and Kyla lovers.” globally, the St. Kitts locally, regionally and
Browne singing songs Nevis National Carnival internationally.”
promoting both St. Kitts Fame was also named He hailed the most re- He noted that because Committee has found a
and Nevis. Sugar Mas 49 Grand cent Minister of Culture of the restrictions on way to make National She continued, “We want
Marshall, with a cheque Shawn Richards, and the Mas’ gatherings, they Carnival work. to make our Carnival the
Dejour sang his SKN for $3000. immediate past Carnival had to forgo some of best small island Carnival
Pride anthem, while Chairman Noah Mills, for the traditional signature “We have been able to in the region. We want to
Mention performed the Minister of Culture Jonel their work over the past events such as J’ouvert, develop and deliver a re- look at ways to generate
“People’s Sugar” and Powell said that the pan- five years. Pageants, Parades and vised National Carnival more revenue and part-
“Area Code.” Infamus demic had caused them to fetes. Calendar consisting of ner more closely with
sang his popular “Love St. rethink and reorganize the “Let me welcome back a series of scaled back, the public and private
Kitts Bad”, while Powell way of doing things. and thank Ms. Shannon “We will still have a very safe virtual Sugar Mas sector, as well as reduce
performed King Meeko’s Hawley, the current chair, exciting and interesting 49 events to appease the our overall spending by
“Nevis Nice”. Armstrong “It has not respected any and her committee, for Sugar Mas 49 with other Carnival cravings of not carefully reviewing all
and Browne set the stage country, person or reli- accepting the challenge planned events, and of only residents of St. Kitts activities on events hosted
on fire performing Ellie gion or any status. We to continue building and course, a heavy dosage of and Nevis, but thousands by the National Carnival
Matts’ “Viva St. Kitts. should applaud and hon- strengthening our cultural Culture.” of regional and interna- Committee”.
our the fact that St. Kitts and Carnival product. I tional carnival lovers.”
Page:6 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 News
LOCAL NEWS
PM Harris lays out
fiscal strategy for
pandemic recovery
By Loshaun Dixon and Marine Resources He continued, “It is im- to live, work and do busi- and residents, and the Federation.”
$15.8M; Tourism and portant to note that even ness here in our land of Cabinet is determined to
Prime Minister of St. Transport $34M; Public in the face of the contin- beauty. As we seek to do everything possible to He noted that the ben-
Kitts and Nevis Dr Infrastructure $66.3M; ued threat of COVID-19, honour this pledge, we assist, and will continue efits of implementing the
Timothy Harris has re- Education $103.9M; we remain resolute in commit to working with to consult, to listen, and comprehensive stimulus
vealed plans for the eco- Health $65.9M; Youth, our commitment to build the citizens and residents to act in the best interest package were clear for
nomic recovery of St. Sports and Culture resilience in our coun- to build out exciting of the people. all to see. He said Social
Kitts and Nevis, after he $10.3M; Sustainable try, and to continue our plans for that stronger Security paid $22M in
delivered an $867.9M Development $26M; pathway of the transfor- and safer future.” “Considering our ex- income support. The
budget highlighting the Foreign Affairs and mation of this land we periences during the government provided
fiscal strategy for the me- Aviation $21.7M; Office love so much. It gives The Prime Minister said last eight months and income support to re-
dium term, to ensure the of the Attorney General me pleasure to move the pandemic has im- our long term vision for cipients of the Poverty
Federation bounces back $12.6M; Ministry of the approval of the draft pacted every aspect of the development of our Alleviation Programme
from effects of the global Labour $9.1M; Human estimates, revenue and life across the globe. country, we have cho- (PAP).
pandemic. Settlement Ecclesiastical expenditure in volumes 1 sen to anchor the 2021
Affairs and the National and 2.” “It has forced us to con- budget around the theme “The number of recipi-
Dr Harris, who is also Health Insurance $7.3M; front situations that we “FORTITUDE DURING ents for PAP peaked in
Minister of Finance, Environment and BUDGET ADDRESS never envisioned…one THE PANDEMIC: May to a total of 4,873
laid the estimates before Cooperatives $2.7M and year ago, or nine months Resilience, Recovery recipients. Of this total,
the National Assembly, Entrepreneurship and In delivering the bud- ago. The COVID-19 and Transformation.” 940 households were
noting that his admin- Communications $7.5M. get address, the Prime pandemic has severely added, as a direct re-
istration worked hard Minister said that 2020 impacted our economy, He continued, “As a sult of the impact of the
to ensure that resources “The proposed alloca- will be remembered as it has that of every small nation we have COVID-19 pandemic on
are provided to maintain tions would assist the for many challenging other nation.” demonstrated great their livelihoods. As the
the delivery of public government to maintain things, but will be re- fortitude in facing the pandemic began to have
services resilience in our re- membered for more so He said his govern- COVID-19 pandemic. greater effect in the coun-
sponse to the pandemic. for COVID-19, that had ment’s top priority is to Our response has made try, more people lost their
“We are proposing the Here were are propos- loomed so large in the protect its citizens and a tremendous difference jobs or lost income, and
allocation of $867.9M to ing $867.9M worth of lives of an entire global residents from the deadly in helping to preserve life as a consequence, they
support activities under expenditure across recur- community. Coronavirus and livelihoods.” now had to benefit from
the recurrent and capital rent and capital budget,” the PAP.”
expenditure, as well as to Dr Harris said. “It will go down as an ‘In this regard, we have Dr Harris said that his
make our principal pay- exceptional and memo- been guided by our very administration has de- He disclosed that thus
ments in 2021.” He said the proposal for rable year, as we have capable medical officials, signed and implemented far the government has
capital expenditure is experienced mixed for- and there is no doubt we a comprehensive plan of expended $28.5M on the
He then highlighted in the region of $192M, tunes around the world, have been very firm in action to accomplish the PAP, and it is anticipated
the following alloca- which will be the largest and here in St. Kitts and our actions to curtail the objectives of the theme. that by year-end, that fig-
tions: Governor-General capital expenditure to be Nevis. We should give spread of the virus here. ure would reach $31.1M.
$1.7M; Parliament proposed in a very long thanks to Almighty God The implementation of “In response to the em-
$2.598M; Audit Office time. for seeing us thus far, strict COVID-19 proto- ployment challenges Dr Harris noted that as
$1.2M, Justice and Legal through what has been a cols has served us well. caused by COVID-19, a result of the mortgage
Affairs $9.78M; Office “Our capital projects, very challenging year.” So much so, that to date, my government less- moratorium, the people
of the Prime Minister such as the road works, we have had a relatively ened the impact of the of St. Kitts and Nevis
$80.77M; National the construction of St. In securing the stronger, low number of confirmed pandemic on displaced were able to get relief in
Security $86.1M; Peter’s Health Facility, safer future, Dr Harris cases of the virus, and workers by providing excess of $500M.
International Trade, we expect that they will said they already began no community spread, income support and other
Industry, Commerce stimulate positive growth to deliver on this man- and we thank God, zero helpful services. There “As a result of the ini-
and Consumer Affairs in the economy, putting date, and pledged to deaths.” has been good success, tiative to defer mort-
$5.3M; Ministry of our people back to work, work even harder to im- and we take satisfaction gage payments, which
Finance $258M; Social creating income for our prove on the delivery. He said that the govern- in the implementation of the monetary council
Services and Gender families, and therefore ment understands the the stimulus package that supported, in St. Kitts
Affairs $38.2M; allow them to achieve “This is our pledge to our pain that is being felt has reached thousands and Nevis 1,717 with a
Agriculture, Fisheries their goals in life.” people; to all who chose by some of the citizens of families across the mortgage were able to
News
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 Page:7
get relief and mortgage underpinned by positive of the main drivers in “My government, there- for the support lost their to ensure the country
facilities totalling over growth in agriculture, 2021. fore, has identified this job. “ recovers from the pan-
$511M.” financial services, trans- sector as a major pillar of demic, noting that the
port, storage and com- “The construction sector our strategy for recovery He said they had im- government has devised
He said they had been munications, wholesale, continues to provide em- and transformation. We proved the tourism prod- a fiscal strategy for the
careful and deliberate retail and construction. ployment to many of our believe that our invest- uct before the pandemic, medium term that has
in taking action to make Then COVID-19 hap- citizens and residents. It ment in this sector is well so that livelihoods as- three main objectives.
sure that St. Kitts and pened, and everything is the primary source of placed, and we hope to sociated with this sector
Nevis continues to build took a nosedive. Our income for many fami- obtain bountiful returns, would be enhanced and “Firstly we must stabilize
the resilience that it can statistics department es- lies. This sector is quite including enhancing citizens and residents fiscal outcomes by con-
recover in the shortest timates that the economy resilient, and my gov- food and nutrition secu- will prosper. taining and reprioritizing
possible time. of St. Kitts and Nevis is ernment will continue to rity within our borders.” the recurrent expenditure.
likely to contract by 12.5 make the necessary in- “We will effectively uti- Secondly, we must facili-
“The stimulus package % for 2020.” vestments to further en- He said that it is impor- lize resources to trans- tate recovery and reignite
was part of that plan to hance that resilience and tant that the agricultural form the tourism product, the economy by adopting
get the country up and He said the estimates are transform the economy.” sector be taken with a and usher in economic a pro-growth approach to
running as quickly as that the economy will greater degree of serious- recovery that would im- the development of our
possible. We recognized rebound in 2021, with a He said modern air ness, and people take a prove the quality of life capital budget for 2021
the dignity of the poor positive growth rate of and seaports are criti- conscious decision to for all our citizens and and beyond. The third
had to be preserved; we about 5%. cal infrastructure that buy and eat local. residents. The yachting objective, is that we must
recognized the sooner we are necessary for the sector and health tourism manage and maintain the
can get the country out of “These estimates of transformation of the Addressing tourism, that will see substantial in- public sector debt at pru-
the recession the better positive growth rates economy. was the most negatively creases in the near future dent levels.
it will be, and therefore are broadly consistent in impacted, Dr Harris said as we diversify our tour-
we went large and deep terms of direction, with “The government will that it will continue to be ism product.” PM Harris said they
and wide, in terms of the the estimates forecast by therefore continue to in- one of the mainstays of were doing well on the
future we will provide the ECCB, which proj- vest in the upgrade of our the economy, and they The Prime Minister said third objective until the
to the people of St. Kitts ects a 6.4% growth, and air and seaports, to facili- are going to make delib- small and medium-sized pandemic.
and Nevis.” the IMF, which projects tate travel, as we trans- erate efforts to transform enterprises are critical for
an 8% growth for St Kitts form our country and the economy. the growth of the country. “We expected to see an
The finance minister said and Nevis.” economy. The upgrades increase in the debt-to-
COVID-19 started as are expected to support “Prior to COVID-19, we “This year alone, we GDP ratio, but important-
a health pandemic and He said that in 2021, St the ease of doing business were on the growth path. have achieved a historic ly, we have set ourselves
morphed into an eco- Kitts and Nevis will be and encourage invest- All the progress was in- high of over 800 approv- within the medium term
nomic pandemic without the fastest growing coun- ments. Notwithstanding terrupted with the advent als for business licenses.” to restore it back again to
a template to guide. try in the OECS, and the challenges faced in of COVID-19, and re- the 60% debt-to-GDP.”
the second-fastest grow- 2020, SCASPA will work grettably, many who had He said the government
“All over the world, ing, in relation to the diligently to complete the relied on that subsector will make every attempt
countries have taken an hemisphere. rehabilitation works at
economic beating…” the RLB International
“This is good news com- Airport.”
In the currency union, ing from the interna-
he said, the ECCB has tional organizations, not He announced they
reported that the GDP at just our own statistics would be working
market prices increased department, but there is with the Caribbean
by 2.8% in 2019, how- something where every- Development Bank to as-
ever the growth rate es- thing else is contingent sess some of the coastal
timated for 2020 will be -COVID-19. In 2021, we roads, in particular, Fort
negative at 16.2%. are expecting the same lands, the Irish Town
sectors that were driving Bay Road and New
“The good news in 2021 the growth in the first Guinea.
is that we will move quarter will assist us -
from that sharp decline construction, wholesale “We are expecting, hav-
to a growth of 5% in the transport, real estate, etc. ing completed the en-
currency union. The eco- We have used the most gineering designs, to
nomic outturn for 2021 conservative estimate of prioritize expenditures in
remains contingent on the growth in determining the near future in relation
success in the fight of de- our budget predictions.” to those three areas. It is
feating COVID-19. Until expected that these proj-
every country succeeds, Dr Harris said they were ects will cost $52.3M.”
none of us succeeds.” mindful of the potential
impact of any notable He pledged that they will
Dr Harris noted that the movement in prices - continue to provide sup-
economy grew by 1.8% especially for persons port in 2021 for the con-
in 2019, and in 2020, the who are suffering the struction sector, and will
disruptions in travel and loss of income due to the partner with the private
trade, and the near halt- pandemic - and commit- sector and state-owned
ing in productive activity ted to the advancement corporations, to ensure
in the economies of ma- of consumer-protected the government incen-
jor trading partners, has mechanisms within the tivizes the construction
had an adverse impact federation. sector.
on the Federation’s eco-
nomic growth rate. GROWTH DRIVERS Agriculture, he said, was
an underserved sector
“During the first quarter Addressing areas to drive in the economy, noting
of 2020, the economy growth in the economy, that it has the potential to
grew by just under Dr Harris revealed that generate real wealth and
2%. The outturn was construction will be one provide decent jobs.
Page:8 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 News
LOCAL NEWS
CT scanner and
Polyclinic to
boost health
care in Nevis
By Monique Washington Charlestown Health It is a phased approach; whether you are in op- contributing is to the ben- decision, but at some
Centre. Year one we are one year we do one thing position, at some point, efit of everyone. Whether point we all will have to
The Nevis Island looking at consultations and another year we do many of us will need you support this govern- reach at Alexandra,” she
Administration (NIA) with the people, draw- something else, until we to go to Alexandra. So ment or not is a personal opined.
is making major invest- ing the plans, engaging get it done. We don’t have
ments in health care, with the engineers. We have unlimited finances, so we
plans to place a polyclinic a budget to take care of have to budget,” she said.
in Gingerland, and a that in the first year,” she
computerized tomogra- revealed. One of the Ministry’s
phy (CT) scanner at the greatest investments for
Alexandra Hospital. 2021 will be the US$1.2
million CT Scanner - an
The announcement was In addition to the new investment they have
made by Junior Minister year’s plans, she said that called on the citizens of
of Health, Hon, Hazel the NIA will continue to Nevis to help to purchase.
Brandy-Williams. She seek funding, and to col-
noted that provided that laborative efforts for a “The first quarter of next
funding is available, the polyclinic in Gingerland. year, we will make the
NIA plans to undertake first down payment on
several initiatives for the A polyclinic is a clinic that a CT scanner. We have
new year, which include provides both general and enough resources to make
the consultation process specialist examinations, the first payment,” she
“The hospital is for all of us. Whether you
are in government or whether you are in
opposition, at some point, many of us will
need to go to Alexandra. “
for a new Charlestown and treatments for a wide said.
Health Centre, a CT scan- variety of diseases and in-
ner, and they will also juries to outpatients, and She added, however,
seek to attract specialist is usually independent of that persons are also en-
doctors, anesthesiolo- a hospital. couraged to contribute
gists and internists, plus to the special medical
the undertaking of other “The proposal was done equipment.
ventures. this year, so we are go-
ing to the next step to “The hospital is for
“We endeavour to start try to see if we can find all of us. Whether you
the process for a new funding for that facility. are in government or
News
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 Page:9
From the Supervisor
of Elections
VOL II Issue 5:
Claims and objections;
a gender
perspective
In my 4th article, I re- the name and the address goes along with them. Of
ported on activities at are critical. Either of the 340 claims made by
the Electoral Office for these components may be women that have been
April to September, and changed and require ad- referenced earlier, 175
referred to the 115 claims justment, especially if the (51%) were due to name
that were made during the Voter Card (or National change, and mostly as
period. In fact, for January Identification Card as it is a result of marriage or
to November 2020, there called) is to be used as a divorce. Of course, the
were 482 claims. I also form of id other than for more important end re-
reported that there were voting purposes. sult of these claims, is the
1,245 objections that issuance of a corrected
arose from the 2020 voter card, critical to claiming/
registry, i.e the Annual maintaining/removing
Register of Voters that An examination of suc- spousal rights as well as
was published at the end cessful objections above for voting.
of January. Those 1,245 reveals that roughly 56%
objections resulted in the of the persons removed by
removal of 117 names. objections were female.
Meanwhile, of the 482 Claims may seem like a
Both claims and objec- claims, 340 or 71% of the minor matter in the grand
tions are tools used to claimants were women. scheme of things, but be-
ensure the accuracy of the Why? Is it that women cause claims leave you
Voter List. are disadvantaged by the on the register as is until
system? Is there more the correction is made,
Claims allow for self- apathy amongst women they can affect election
correction of the electoral towards the objection pro- outcomes that are decided
identity of a person. When cess. Are women more by close margins, espe-
a claim is made, it is to be compliant with claims cially where the claim
publicized and is subject process? is to correct an address.
to scrutiny, just as any Remember, we have had
other voter list. Activation Several factors come into elections decided by as
of the corrections takes play: a) women outnum- few as 4 votes.
2 months also. A claim ber men in the population
“freezes” the claimant by 3 – 5% and b) women
where he or she is until outlive men by several
the correction is done. years. Thus, consistent Whatever is the motiva-
with these factors, there tion, we are thankful for
An objection, on the other are more women voters any and all public support
hand, can result in a com- than men voters, 53%, ac- that assists us in making
plete removal from the cording to the 2018 voter the voters list better reflect
voter registry; but only registry. We haven’t anal- reality on the ground. As
if your electoral identity ysed the more recent data, we go forward, anything
is inconsistent with your but there is no reason to that furthers our motto of
actuality. believe that there were one person, one vote in
any significant changes in the right place and fair-
Your electoral identity later years. ness to all is welcome.
consists of your name, That is what we are after.
address and occupation. But there is a third factor
While the occupation is impacting women: that (author’s note: I will break
not that critical (no one of marriage, divorce and for the festive season, and
objects about occupation), the change of name that return in January 2021)
Page:10 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 News
News
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 Page:11
Dr. Douglas calls
for unifying to
battle hardships
…but says budget
is one of “gross
overestimation” Dr. Douglas giving his response to the Budget Address
By Loshaun Dixon overestimation”. Dr Douglas noted, how- revenue or taxable in- next year.” resources belong to our
ever, that without care- come of 6.23%.” people...and it must be
Leader of the Opposition The former prime minis- ful fact-finding and He said although the IMF available to us when we
Dr. Denzil Douglas, in ter said that the estimates fact-based planning, the Dr Douglas said that ex- is projecting growth for are sick. When our young
giving his response to the of expenditure for 2021 social and economic planation was needed next year, it does not fore- women are pregnant and
budget address, called do not, in his opinion, consequences of the pan- on how tax assessments, cast that the levels would get their babies they must
for unifying to battle the address the serious eco- demic could multiply and based on income gener- get to pre-COVID-19 get their maternity benefit
hardships brought about nomic problems that have extend well into the long ated on economic activ- levels. - every single benefit they
by the pandemic. arisen as a result of the term “to the detriment ity in 2020, would fall are entitled to they must
pandemic. of our people here in St. by only 4.68%, when the “Even if we achieve the get. I don’t believe it is
Dr. Douglas said that he Kitts and Nevis”. underlying income and growth rate for 2021 right for the government
was committed to work- “In a period when so related activities in 2020 of 5%...this would not to dip its hands in the
ing with the government many of our people faced “It is impossible to arrive is estimated to have fallen entirely wipe out the people’s money.
to improve the economic such intense hardships, at a proper solution to any by a massive 18.6%. economic contraction
levels of the people of St. the allocation to public problem without a full of 18.6% projected by He said the government
Kitts and Nevis. assistance has shown and deep understanding “It must be noted that in the IMF for 2020. We ought to approach the cri-
that public assistance has of the problem, and with- view of the devastating would still fall short of the sis differently. “Not using
“We must all put politics increased only moder- out truthful and realistic impact of the pandemic pre-COVID-19 level of our social security funds...
behind us, and honestly ately, and is still below assessment of the impli- on the cash position of economic activity by ap- it should fall fairly and
work together to bring the actual expenditure in cations of the problem, companies, there is likely proximately 13.6%.” squarely on the shoulders
economic activity back respect of the actual 2019 and of all issues surround- to be substantial increases of the government. You
to pre-COVID levels. I estimates by some $1.3M ing the problem. in arrears of taxation, so The leader of the oppo- said you have a whole
am committed to doing or 3.6%.” that even monies due in sition also slammed the heap of surplus, then use
that. We must target levels He said that the govern- 2020 may not even be stimulus programs. the surplus.”
of economic growth that He continued, “In a year ment offered no relief to collected until subsequent
would allow our people of one of the worst crises the small business sector, years to come after this “The budget shows that Dr Douglas said he was
to advance their standard that we have ever faced, and it denies those busi- present crisis.” the total recurrent expen- disappointed in the bud-
of living, and resume our allocation to pub- nesses the support that diture in 2021 is projected get, and noted the country
the many personal plans lic assistance is actually they require to recover The revenue estimates, he to increase by a mere faced much crisis while
that they have had to put lower. In this year that we from the pandemic. said, have failed in several $21M or 3.4 % over the he was Prime Minister,
on hold because of the have been hit by a serious areas. 2020 budget, while the and he learned an impor-
pandemic.” global crisis, the amount “Notwithstanding this capital budget is expected tant lesson in economic
that has been allocated for brutal impact of the “They fail to take full to increase by just over growth.
He said that he had a public assistance is lower COVID-19 crisis on this account of the likely im- 0.5%. Where is the fiscal
problem with the budget, than expenditure two segment of the economy, pact of the pandemic on stimulus of the hundreds “I learned that economic
claiming it “continues years previously”. the small business sector, economic activity in our of millions of dollars that growth is the single most
to promote divisiveness the government is now Federation. It has failed the government have important factor in the
among our people”. Prime Minister Dr proposing to increase us in not taking account in been boasting about? quest to overcome a fi-
Timothy Harris con- collections of revenue the fact that notwithstand- Where are the hundreds nancial or economic cri-
“It is not a call to action; tended that social safety from small businesses by ing opening of our bor- of millions of dollars? sis. Without economic
it does not foster the unity nets are spread across a 6.23%. ders, the tourism sector The increase is moderate growth that generates
and togetherness that are range of Ministries, such continues to be in a state for a normal year, much more resources for our
required to overcome the as Social Development, “The government is of devastation, and could less a year in crisis. people, the budget exer-
crisis and move to the path Education and Health. projecting that in 2021, remain that way through- cise only results in shift-
of sustainable economic unincorporated business out the entire tourist sea- He also questioned why ing money around from
growth. It is the same Dr Harris said, “You have will not only recover son 2020-2021. It has Social Security resourc- one programme to the
old pattern of obscurity, to look at the cross-sec- fully and reach their failed to recognize that the es were used for relief next.”
tribalism and unmerited tion of Ministries that are pre-COVID-19 levels offshore education sector packages.
boastfulness.” providing social support, of performance, but that is operating well below He said there was no fo-
not just the list of one they will also exceed full capacity, and could “The resources of social cus on growth in the bud-
Dr. Douglas opined that ministry.” such performance and very well remain that way security do not belong get to guide recovery.
it was a budget of “gross generate an increase in for a substantial part of to the government. ThePage:12 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 News
ST KITTS-NEVIS CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
CONCEPT TO
CREATION
A strong CBI Programme aims to:
• Create job opportunities
• Upgrade the interior airport terminal building
• Complete the construction of the Old Road Bay realignment project
• Install a new runway and lighting at the RLB International Airport
• Construct more hotels
• Construct better roads
• Construct the bus terminals
• Complete the second cruise pier
Prosperity for our country, a bright future for our people. ciu.gov.knNews The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 Page:13
Page:14 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 News
LOCAL NEWS
COVID-19 leaves high unemployment,
inactivity in Latin America, Caribbean
LIMA, Peru — During the means that the number of has been the inclusion of other hand, it is also ob- be necessary to deal with The boom in platform
last 10 months, the labour job seekers who cannot women in the labour mar- served that the health “pre-existing conditions.” work, especially deliv-
markets in Latin America find work increased by ket. Due to the pandemic, crisis strongly affected “The region was hit hard ery, and the growth of
and the Caribbean have 5.4 million and reached this process is clearly fac- employment in construc- by this crisis, even more teleworking, as well as
regressed at least 10 30.1 million. ing a setback. The reduc- tion (-13.6 percent) and than others in the world, the challenges faced in its
years and the crisis is far tion in the participation industry (-8.9 percent). and this was largely due regulation, in closing dig-
from over, said Vinícius rate was proportionally The smallest drop in em- to structural problems that ital gaps, in training and
Pinheiro, International higher among women at ployment was observed in existed and were known in its performance under
Labour Organization The ILO report warns that -10.4 percent compared agriculture (-2.7 percent). to us,” said the ILO formal conditions, also
(ILO) Regional Director, in such an abrupt crisis to men at -7.4 percent. Regional Director. are objects of analysis in
as he presented the scenario, the unemploy- Pinheiro emphasized that this Labour Overview.
new edition of the an- ment rate tells only part of for the future it will be
nual ‘Labour Overview the story. This year there important to consider the
Report,’ which outlines was an unprecedented The health crisis in 2020 lessons learned from this For example, the persis-
the unprecedented impact transition towards inac- has had an even more pandemic. tent lack of fiscal space, The challenges in times of
of the COVID-19 crisis. tivity by people who gave significant impact on the gaps in social protection COVID-19 for vocational
up looking for work due performance of women’s coverage, high social in- training, social protection,
to the lack of opportuni- employment indicators. equality and high infor- labour inspections and
ties. The participation First, there is no dilem- mality that highlighted support for Micro, Small
“We are entering 2021 rate plummeted by 5.4 ma between preserving the precariousness of and Medium Enterprises,
with employment in percentage points to 57.2 health and economic large sectors of our societ- are reviewed by ILO
intensive care,” said percent according to data For persons between 15 activity because without ies, he added. specialists.
Pinheiro to launch the available at the end of the and 24 years old, during health there is neither pro-
main findings of the 2020 third quarter of 2020. the first three quarters of duction nor consumption. The 2020 Labour
Labour Overview for 2020, youth participation Occupational health and Overview includes a spe-
Latin America and the and employment rates fell safety is now a key issue cial theme that analyzes The report concludes with
Caribbean. by around 5.5 percentage for reactivation. various repercussions a reflection on the policies
Beyond the percentages, points – reaching 42.7 of the COVID-19 crisis, that could contribute to
this means that some 23 percent and 33.0 percent. including the measures a job recovery after the
million people were tem- The youth unemployment taken by governments to crisis, including the need
“Confronted with this porarily removed from rate rose 2.7 percentage Second, social dialogue protect jobs, income, and to rethink the model of
scenario, the countries the workforce and have points up to 23.2 per- is more relevant than the operation of compa- international economic
of the region now face lost their jobs and their in- cent, a level that had not ever because it allows for nies in times of emergen- insertion, technological
the challenge of “lay- come. As the economies been recorded before, strategies agreed upon by cy. The report says it was development with envi-
ing the foundations for a recover, their return to the and which implies that governments, employers an important effort, even ronmental sustainability,
new and better normal,” labour markets will cre- one in four young people and workers to face the though “in some cases promoting entrepreneur-
he said. “Strategies must ate additional pressure on was unemployed as of the crisis. there was the feeling that ship and formalization,
be adopted to generate unemployment indicators third quarter of 2020. the aid was late, or that it and having employment
more and better jobs as for next year. was not enough to cover policies that respond to
production reactivates the lost income.” new realities.
and the health emergency He stressed that it will
diminishes. When analyzing the data
In 2021, the unemploy- available on occupational
ment rate could rise again categories to the third
to 11.2 percent, said the quarter, the ILO report
“Now it is essential ILO, considering factors says that in 2020 total
to achieve economic such as moderate eco- salaried employment and
growth with employ- nomic growth of around self-employment fell -6.8
ment. Employment is 3.5 percent, which is in- percent and -8.9 percent.
crucial to reduce poverty sufficient to recover the The impact that the health
and decrease the growing lost ground caused by the crisis had on other occu-
inequalities that this pan- crisis. There is also un- pational categories is also
demic is leaving in the af- certainty surrounding the observed, such as em-
termath,” added Pinheiro. future of the COVID-19 ployers (-9.8 percent) and
pandemic, including fears domestic service (-19.4
about outbreaks and the percent).
effectiveness of vaccina-
The 2020 Labour tion processes.
Overview registers a
strong increase in the un- The contraction in em-
employment rate that rose ployment was particularly
to 2.5 percentage points The report adds that be- significant in service sec-
compared to the previous fore the health crisis, what tors such as hotels (-17.6
year, going from 8.1 per- sustained regional par- percent) and commerce
cent to 10.6 percent. This ticipation and occupation (-12.0 percent). On theNews
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 Page:15
Government
ministers shed light
on plans for 2021
By Loshaun Dixon and curfews, but shortly of other junctions in the non-pharmaceutical that have kept us safe. It healthcare sector as
thereafter the project has federation.” protocols which have was about saving lives.” promised.
Government Ministers continued as expected.” enabled us to contain the
have been giving the out- The areas are the junc- virus thus far, and for the Byron-Nisbett said the “The Ministry of Health
look for their Ministries He said Surrey Paving tions of Dickenson foreseeable future, un- pandemic had tested is committed to provid-
during the 2021 bud- had taken a break for the Street and Wellington til safe pharmaceutical the resolve of the health ing care that is available;
get debates that started Christmas period, and Road; College Street and measures are realized.” ministry. care that is equitable, ac-
Tuesday. they expect to restart in Cayon Street; College cessible and affordable
January. Street and the Bay Road She hailed the NEOC, “The Ministry had to for all its people.”
Deputy Prime Minister by Social Security; the led by Dr Hazel Laws, ensure that it was able to
Shawn Richards, “We still have an area Bay Road and Port Zante Abdias Samuel and Dr exercise its fundamen- She indicated that they
Minister of Health Akilah between Sandy Point Roundabout; Bay Road Cameron Wilkinson, for tal mandate and coexist were worried about the
Byron-Nisbett, Minister and New Guinea to pave, and Sandown Road, and their leadership in guid- with the dreaded pan- impacts of NCDs on
of Agriculture Alexis Sandy Point has not been the Bay Road and Rams ing the nation through demic, while at the same the health of people and
Jeffers and Tourism done as yet, because Cash and Carry exit. the virus. time protect its gains in healthcare infrastructure.
Minister Lindsay Grant, there is a need to ensure other critical aspects of She however noted that
all gave presentations in that the water lines are “We are expected, based “This team has guided health.” the number of new cases
the National Assembly. replaced.” on the timeline provided, and directed us, enabling and the death rates are
to be up and running by us to make often tough She said in 2021 they down for some NCDs
Richards, who is the Other projects include the end of January.” but informed decisions will deliver on a stronger
Minister of Public the Old Road Fisheries Continued on Page 21
Infrastructure, Post and Sea Defence Project, that AKILAH BYRON-
Urban Development said he said is still ongoing. NISBETT, MINISTER
that despite the nega- OF HEALTH
tive growth for 2020, “The major one at Old
this government has re- Road is the new road In her presentation,
sponded well to the ef- across Old Road Bay, Byron-Nisbett said the
fects of COVID-19. that also is substantially budget was reflective of
completed, and the work the strong commitment
“We have seen that nega- there continues. We ex- to a stronger, safer future
tive growth, and despite pect that sometime dur- for all of the residents of
what we have seen for ing the early part of next St. Kitts and Nevis.
this year in several dif- year that particular road
ferent respects, St. Kitts would be completed.” “This budget demon-
and Nevis must be given strates the Team Unity
credit for doing a very He said the Public Government is reaffirm-
good job.” Infrastructure Ministry ing its commitment to
also supervises contracts the promise that all of
Speaking to his Ministry, on behalf of other minis- our citizens truly are en-
Richards said that early tries, such as the upgrade gaged in the journey for
on the government, with of the interior High a stronger, safer future.”
regards to the capital Court, the construction
projects, decided that the of the Ottleys/Lodge Addressing matters of
intention was to continue Community Centre health, she said the fed-
to implement and to that is near comple- eration faced a health
build out those particular tion, and the Magistrate challenge due to the pan-
projects. and Mediation Centre, demic, and the country
among others. withstood the first wave
“We didn’t just say it, of COVID-19 and has
but the evidence of this Richards disclosed that become a global model
is there for everyone to the Traffic lights project for the containment of
see.” is set to enter phase two the virus.
for the installation.
He said the Ministry un- The minister said that the
dertook 31 capital proj- “The persons out of virus was still a threat,
ects for 2020, including Jamaica assisting us with and that the pandemic
the resurfacing of the that project are on the was far from done.
Island Main Road. island. One is already
out of quarantine ,and “The pandemic is far
“That particular project as soon as the others are from over, and it is apt for
is still ongoing. It came out of quarantine, the me to appeal to everyone
to a halt temporarily, be- new traffic lights will to continue to comply
cause of the lockdown be installed at a number with the recommendedPage:16 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 News
COMMENTARYNews The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 Page:17
Airlines Under Investigation In UK
For Refusing Covid Refunds.
(Daily Mail)–LONDON, businesses are currently Airways flights for a 20- on their £1,386 RyanAir flights were cancelled, BA’s parent company
UK–December 15th, facing but they have a day trip to South Africa flights on September 23, planes grounded and staff IAG reported a £5.1bn
2020–Airlines are being responsibility to treat con- and Mauritius with her but when the check fi- furloughed. loss for the first nine
investigated by the UK’s sumers fairly and abide husband, Patrick, 64. nally arrived in the post in months of 2020, and its
competition watchdog by their legal obligations.’ November their bank said Virgin Atlantic had to CEO Willie Walsh ac-
over failure to offer cus- She had been forced it hadn’t cleared. secure a rescue pack- cused the government of
tomers cash refunds for The CMA said it will write to book a new flight age with jobs cuts said causing ‘further chaos
cancelled flights during to ‘a number of airlines’ from Port Elizabeth to to total 4,700, and have and hardship’ for travel-
Covid pandemic to request information Johannesburg after BA also closed their Gatwick ers based on ‘arbitrary’
about their approaches refused to swap the de- The airline told Mr. Irvine operations. statistics.
to refunds for passengers parting airport from Cape he would receive a new
prevented from flying by Town, only to later find cheque two weeks later. Workers reacted with
The Competition and lockdown restrictions. she had been labelled a fury as British Airways
Markets Authority ‘no show’ and had lost her The international travel announced plans to shed British jobs are also at
(CMA) is looking into It will analyze the evi- return flights. industry is among the more than 12,000 staff, risk at airlines Jet2 and
consumer rights breaches dence before deciding worst hit by coronavi- and are now selling off Aer Lingus, as well as
by airlines during lock- whether to launch en- rus, with thousands of surplus stock and supplies at Hays Travel operators
downs amid concerns that forcement action against jobs lost or at risk at from its aircraft. and Luton, Heathrow and
companies refused pas- individual carriers. Canterbury County Court airlines and airports as Belfast Airports.
senger refunds when trav- later ruled this was un-
el was restricted. Some The watchdog will work fair because BA did not
travelers also reported closely with aviation reg- contact her to say it had
being offered vouchers ulator the Civil Aviation cancelled her flight, and
rather than full refunds. Authority during its ordered they pay Mrs.
investigation. Watts £2,111.59 for her
new flight and other costs.
Consumer rights group
The Competition and Which? has accused Online travel agent
Markets Authority several major airlines of LoveHolidays was forced
(CMA) said its probe will breaking the law over to refund 44,000 custom-
look at situations where their refunds policy. ers more than £18million
airlines continued to oper- for trips cancelled during
ate flights despite people the pandemic after hun-
being unable lawfully to dreds of complaints from
travel for non-essential They have written to customers who were left
purposes, such as during BA, Virgin Airway and waiting for their money.
England’s second lock- Emirates among others
down last month. to warn them over their
‘no-show clauses’ which
mean passengers who The firm had said they
miss an outbound flight would only be refund-
It said that in some cases can have all their con- ed for the flight once
where flights were not necting and return flights LoveHolidays had re-
cancelled, customers cancelled and their seats ceived the payment from
were told to rebook or resold. the airline, but this flouted
offered a voucher rather laws that require travel
than a refund. Andrea Consumer rights group agents to refund a cus-
Coscelli, chief executive Which? has accused tomer on cancellation, re-
of the CMA, said: ‘We several major airlines in- gardless of whether they
will be carefully analyz- cluding British Airways have received the money
ing all the evidence to of breaking the law over back from the supplier.
see whether any airlines their policy on ‘no shows’
breached consumers’ having all subsequent IT company boss Paul
legal rights by refusing flights cancelled and their Irvine, 41, well victim to
people cash refunds for seats resold the pandemic when his
flights they could not law- £2,700 family to Majorca
fully take. in October was cancelled
due to the pandemic.
Pam Watts, 61, previ-
ously fell victim to the It took two months until
‘We recognize the con- rule when she spent the family were told they
tinued pressure that £8,227.82 on three British were getting a full refundPage:18 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday December 18th, 2020 LOCAL NEWS
News
news
2020: A Year of Challenge and Change
By Petra Mc Sheene Hyatt and Royal St. Kitts, although she also gave back and forth, I just said ensure the safety of the 2020 because she gave
just to name a few. bread to some other fam- to myself, let them keep citizens, but some persons birth to her baby girl dur-
It was not only a year of ily members, she barely their money.” were still not adhering to ing lockdown, but she lost
challenge and change, but Being on lockdown was received any gratitude. the protocols and it would two beloved relatives.
a year of appreciation and hard for many persons, ‘2020 BURST MY make their jobs a lot
acceptance. The whole but especially hard for “This lockdown and what BUBBLE’ harder if there was a com- “My cousin who was a
world was brought to its single mothers who were I’m going through bring munity outbreak. nurse in New York died of
knees with the discovery at home without work and tears to my eyes, because For the first time in her the virus, and the hardest
of the novel coronavirus having multiple mouths it is not easy, and my fam- life, Tracy was going One Rastafarian believed part about that, was no-
(COVID-19), and many to feed. ily do not even give me a to experience Trinidad COVID-19 to be a con- body could be at her side
countries began extensive dollar when I give them carnival with her new spiracy theory, and insist- in her final moments.”
preparations for change in In order to get different bread and doughnuts that husband. ed he would never take She stated tearfully, “I
relation to the virus. viewpoints of persons I do,” Cherry reflected the vaccination offered, lost my mom a few weeks
about the lockdown, emotionally. “I honestly “2020 burst my bubble,” because it was just an- ago to cancer and it hasn’t
Many babies were born coronavirus and 2020 as can’t wait for 2020 to be she told the Observer with other way to keep people been easy for me dealing
in St. Kitts and Nevis, a whole, the Observer over, but God is in the a laugh. “I was already under control. with so much loss.”
and many persons also conducted several inter- midst and he won’t see looking forward to doing
lost their lives, fortunately views to garner opinions me fail.” some island-hopping with BITTERSWEET The year 2020 was indeed
and thankfully, not to the from persons of different my husband and taking FEELINGS a year of challenge, and
virus. backgrounds and social FED UP OF THE part in Trinidad carnival.” instead of being regretful
standing. BACK AND FORTH for things we didn’t get
No one imagined a pan- Nurse Browne told the to do this year, we should
demic such as the coro- ‘I HONESTLY CAN’T Anthony was a ground- Observer that in her Amanda informed the be thankful for everything
navirus would touch the WAIT FOR 2020 TO skeeper at the Ocean opinion, the government Observer that she had bit- we have.
Federation, but many BE OVER’ Terrace Inn, and they did all that they could to tersweet feelings about
Many persons lost their jobs because
of the closure of hotels and guest
houses, including the Ocean Terrace
Inn, St Kitts Marriott Hotel, Park Hyatt
persons suspected that the In one interview with a closed their doors per-
cold and flu of December single mother of four who manently in March. Ever
2019 was in some part gave her name as Cherry, since, he has been trying
the virus, since many it was learnt that she has to find a new job. In or-
persons who experienced been out of work since der to earn money for his
it complained of fever, 2019, and being on lock- household, Anthony took
breathing problems and down in 2020 has made a side job cutting yards
weak muscles. They were life for her even more dif- from time to time.
wrong. ficult. Cherry pointed out
she applied for the STEP
St. Kitts and Nevis dis- program numerous times,
covered their first cases but was never successful, “I signed up for the $500
of the virus in March, and she also applied for and all now I can’t get one
and the proactive govern- the Poverty Alleviation call. I went to the office
ment worked diligently Programme, but was not over and over again, a guy
and speedily to keep the successful with that either. at the office told me that
country safe. Several my application was ap-
safety measures were Cherry always had a proved, but I haven’t got-
implemented such as all passion for cooking and ten any money all now.”
ports being closed for pas- baking, and she does a
sengers, all schools were little cooking and selling Anthony pointed out
closed, curfew was insti- on the side to earn cash. that after visiting the
tuted, and wearing of face She pointed out to the Ministry of Sustainable
masks was mandatory. Observer that in order to Development on numer-
sustain herself and her ous occasions, he went to
Many persons lost their family during the lock- the Treasury to find out if
jobs because of the clo- down, she began baking there were any cheques
sure of hotels and guest bread and pastries on a there for him and was told
houses, including the regular basis. She stated there was not.
Ocean Terrace Inn, St that kneading the dough
Kitts Marriott Hotel, Park is very hard work, and “I get so fed up of theYou can also read
