BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JANUARY 7TH 2014 (CUOPM) – A call from St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas to participants in the People Empowerment Programme (PEP) demonstrate high levels of discipline, focus, and commitment.
“The programme provides opportunities that are not readily available in most countries, and it is essential that PEP participants continue to make maximum use of the opportunities being provided,” said Prime Minister Douglas during Tuesday’s “Ask the Prime Minister.”
He focused on those who have clear dreams of how they wish to spend their working lives, know what skills they would need to transform their dreams into reality, are unable, on their own, to acquire these skills, and therefore have stepped forward to increase their competitiveness by embracing any of the 50 skills-training opportunities offered by the People Empowerment Programme.
“Your Government has been highly focused in the formulation and implementation of policies that would make Kittitians, Nevisians, and non-nationals alike invest in our country. And we have been very successful in this regard. We have done this, not simply to be able to say that additional investments are being made in the Federation, but because we want the Kittitians and Nevisians to have options, to have expanded opportunities, to be able to advance their social and economic status without having to leave the Federation to do so,” said Dr. Douglas.
He pointed to the realization that people of all ages throughout the Federation have been zeroing in, and embracing, those training programmes that would equip them to be a part of the country’s ongoing economic expansion, is particularly rewarding to the Cabinet and to him as prime minister.
Hundreds of persons recently visited the People Employment Programme (PEP) Festival at Independence and showcased that PEP is not about cutting grass.
Many, many patrons expressed confidence that the PEP, launched by St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas in December 2011, was indeed a good programme and were of the view “that it was time persons, including politicians to stop lying and talking bad about the PEP and that PEP is only teaching people to cut grass.”
“PEP is really a blessing. Look at all the skills, training and professionalism being exhibited here today,” said Marva.
“I know lots of people are doing office work, creating things on the computer in companies in Basseterre. Some, in fact, many of them are more dedicated and more productive than the permanent workers,” said Janice.
Young ladies and men who have learnt to run electrical wires and repair small electrical appliances like micro wave and heaters, lay blocks, make cakes, cook, make beds, prepare documents, etc.
Most of the 23 disciplines were on display. 1. Mechanic; 2. Furniture (school desk repair) & Carpentry; 3. Hospitality – a. Culinary, b. Food Preparation, c. Housekeeping, d. Bartending, e. Front Desk; 5. Customs Department; 6. Technology (solar); 7. Electrical; 8. Event Planning; 9. Business Secretarial; 10. Agriculture (produce (vegetables) and ago-processing); 11. Physical Education; 12. Early Childhood; 13. Media; 14. Make-up/Nails Designs/Facial; 15. Graphic Designs; 16. PEP Secretariat; 17. Hair Dressing; 18. Culinary Arts (Cake Designs); 19. Health Care; 20. Fire Services Department; 21. Snapper – (Dr. Browne Conaree (Thalipia, Fish being raised in salt water); 22. Craft House – (Housing Furniture, Bed Drawers, Tables, chairs, etc.), 23. Stone Design; 23 Women in Construction; 24. Day Care.
PEP administrators were elated that the PEP Festival left an indelible mark on hundreds, when they turned the Independence Square in Basseterre into the home of one of the best expositions the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has ever witnessed.