by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): As the people of St. Kitts are allowed some reprieve from the 24-hour lockdown, long lines at banks and supermarkets were observed on Thursday, July 1 as people sought to restock and prepare for another week’s shut-in.
But what are the options available for people who are currently without income or with reduced income?
During the recent outbreak and lockdown procedures, the Ministry of Social Development has been preparing care packages for families in quarantine and isolation and it has since been extended to people in the community.
Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Social Development, Janelle Lewis Tafari reported that people from 471 households have benefited from the government’s care package initiative.
“The number of persons who have benefited to date include persons from 471 households. Of these households, 302 were in quarantine and isolation and 169 had heads who were either unemployed or had reduced income.”
She made those remarks during the Wednesday, June 30 press briefing hosted by the National Emergency Operations center.
Lewis-Tafari also said that discussions are ongoing with NEMA, the department of agriculture, People Empowerment and the ministry of tourism on the continuation of this support while incorporating local farmers’ produce, healthier food options, and using produce grown in the Eco-Park.
She also reported on recent donations made by the Rotary Club of St. Kitts.
“Caring citizens and community groups continue to support our efforts with the most recent contribution being a donation from the Rotary club of St. Kitts who donated on Monday [June 28] a substantial amount of food items. The St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board has also committed to providing 1,250 food vouchers valued at EC$200 each to households who currently do not receive assistance from the food voucher program or the poverty alleviation program.”
NEMA district committees have also been asked to submit the names of people from households in their respective communities who can benefit from the packages.
Anyone in need of assistance and individuals willing to contribute are asked to telephone 662-5539, 662-7710, 662-6473 or 662-5993.
