Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 14, 2015 (SKNIS): Successful candidates that have received loan funding under the Fresh Start Programme – designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises – have been strongly urged to be responsible with the funds and to make wise investments and spending choices.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, made the call during his monthly press conference on October 13, at Government Headquarters. He quoted statistics from the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis and noted that to date more than 300 persons have applied for loans under the initiative, which is a joint venture between the bank, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and PDVSA St. Kitts Ltd (PetroCaribe).
“EC$1.5 million has already been disbursed to 25 applicants,” said Prime Minister Harris, noting that the programme has resonated with persons seeking to make a positive contribution to the economy and a more comfortable life for themselves and their families.
“I want however to caution the successful applicants to use this money wisely,” Prime Minister Harris said. “Do not squander it because of course you have to repay it.”
Figures quoted by the Minister of Finance reveal that 58 persons have successfully been interviewed for loan financing totaling $6.9 million and a further 217 applicants are awaiting a final determination.