Former SSMC Workers May Be Paid By Independence 2015

(ZIZ News) — Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris announced on Tuesday during his second monthly press conference, that it is likely that former St. Kitts Sugar Manufacturing Corporation employees will receive their share of EC$16 million by Independence Day, September 19th, 2015.

“It is tentatively proposed that this committee will complete its report soonest and that we will make a single payment, single instalment, not three as were done last time, single payment to the former sugar workers on or before Independence of 2015 so that may well be their Independence treat,” he said.

Dr. Harris said the committee that was formed to ensure that former sugar industry workers are paid continues to work diligently.

He revealed that plans are afoot to open a secretariat in Basseterre that will make it easier for the former employees’ concerns and recommendations to be heard.

“I can report that a secretariat will be opened shortly in Basseterre to receive reports, concerns and even recommendations from former sugar workers. To ensure the views and concerns of all are considered, the committee has asked for a bit more time to put forward their final report. I have granted that every reasonable request. I repeat, we in this government will not hurry ourselves lest we live by the maxim ‘hurry dog eats raw corn’,” he stated.

The committee is being led by Osbert Desuza, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. His 17-member team comprises of persons drawn from the government and private sector.