Success of Tripartite Partnership in St. Kitts-Nevis Highlighted at ILO Conference

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis assured regional and international partners of its commitment to the tripartite process and the many ways in which the local members – government, private sector, and workers – are collaborating to provide decent work for all.

This is according to senior minister and minister of Labour, the Honourable Vance Amory, who headed a five-person delegation to the 19th American Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organization (ILO), held in Panama from October 2 to 5.

Senior Minister Amory told delegates that it was important for tripartite members to recognize that by working together, the objectives of providing decent work for citizens and residents will be realized along with the appropriate social protection and services in health and education. This, he said, will allow persons to enjoy recreation and have time for and with their family.

Senior Minister Amory noted that in the coming weeks, an advisory committee will consult with social partners on a review of the minimum wage, and how any new minimum wage aligns with the decent work agenda.

Every four years, political, economic and social actors from countries across the region meet to discuss pertinent issues at the conference. Agenda topics examined the progress of countries during the last four years and evaluated the main challenges the region faces in order to achieve a more sustained, inclusive and sustainable growth model.

Other members of the delegation included permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Ron Dublin-Collins, commissioner of the labour department, Shernel James, executive director of the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Brenda John and president of the St. Kitts and Nevis Trades and Labour Union, Joseph O’Flaherty.