SKNIS, Press Release
Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 13, 2015 (SKNIS): The Sugar Workers’ Restoration Fund (SWRF) office will be launched on Monday, May 18, to process claims and guarantee the outstanding gratuity payment to former sugar workers.
The office will be located at the CLICO Building at South Independence Square Street.
This is just on the heels of the acquisition of the EC$16 million, on March 30, 2015, from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to aid in this endeavor.
Head of the SWRF committee is Osbert De Suza who also serves as Permanent Secretary for the Prime Minister’s ministries. A number of subcommittees including accounting, research and documentation and public relations, have been put in place to ensure the smooth running of the process and to keep the public up-to-date.
Clecton Phillip, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister and head of the Public Relations Committee, stated that the money was acquired in record time following the proposal from the government of national unity who took office only a month before (February 22, 2015).
Mr. Phillip explained that the office gives persons a place to go to for advice.
“The secretariat will be there to primarily receive applications from former sugar workers and processing those applications -being guided by the work of the criteria and documentation, research and review committee- to make sure that no one is left out.” revealed Mr. Philip. “The whole process is designed to be fair, transparent and accurate. We want to ensure that no one is left out and everyone gets their fair share.”
The officials at the office will be able to explain the process of applying and what documents should be provided to ensure that money is dispersed in a timely manner. They will also be able to address any concerns the former workers or the public may have.
Funds should be allotted by September 2015.