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Premier Parry |
NEVIS — (FEBRUARY 19TH, 2010) Contrary to baseless claims by Opposition political activists and some media houses in the Federation who have accused the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP)-led Nevis Island Administration (NIA) of victimizing the immigrant population in Nevis, the evidence clearly shows otherwise that under the leadership of Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry, the NIA continues to treat the immigrant population fairly.
Since the Administration was elected into office over three years ago, a number of steps had been taken to assist that sector of the Nevis community.
In order to alleviate the financial hardships of the immigrant population because of the world economic crisis, the NRP-led Administration reduced the cost of the work permits significantly. The cost for workers permit or all workers in the unskilled category was reduced from EC$1600 to EC$1000.
The NIA under the NRP also took steps to reduce hospital costs of health care to non-nationals as the same for locals.
“There is no longer a non-national rate and a local rate all residents of Nevis pay one price,” said Premier Parry.
In addition, the government has given unlimited access to free schooling for all non-nationals.
During an interview with the Department of Information the Premier stated that in 2009, a total of 149 work permits were issued. The Premier then asked a question of the opposition stating: “Is the Concerned Citizens Movement recommending that hundreds more work permits be issued in 2010?
“The information of the number of work permits and the new cost of work permits has been made public on numerous occasions in the media, by the Ministers of Government, in town hall meetings and on the political platform,” said the Premier.
According to Mr. Parry, work permits have continued to be issued and re-issued under his Administration “and we have worked alongside the immigrants on Nevis in order to live together in harmony.”