Published 24 July 2019
Buckie Got It. St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris
The statement was made during a recent appearance on the Straight Talk radio programme, in response to a question about the Peace Initiative that is designed to help gang members transition from a life of crime to become productive citizens. It provides resources to facilitate job opportunities, agricultural endeavours, facilitating skills training sessions, offer educational and development opportunities, as well as counselling and conflict resolution sessions.
“Let it be clear that we will continue to be a government for all,” the prime minister stated. “We will be the government for those students who are in school and we will be the government of those who are not doing so well. None will be left behind.”
Dr. Harris, who is also the Minister of National Security, compared the provision of services to the vulnerable groups and noted that it is line with regular initiatives that is provided to citizens or to rehabilitate persons.
“In the same way we are a government that has been providing a fair chance and fair opportunity for those who are in our prisons to come out of it a better person with more skills, with academic and other qualifications, it is the same way we will ensure that those of our vulnerable children, at-risk children, young people and adults have an opportunity to get a free education,” he said.
The prime minister added: “The same way we started a Fresh Start programme and offered a special interest rate and easier terms to allow the poor and ordinary individual to start a business to be able to deal with other issues which they confront, it is the same way as part of the programme of inclusiveness [that] we will give that fresh start to those vulnerable members in our community who want to change from a life of crime to legitimate businesses.”
Prime Minister Harris noted that government has consistently been an advocate for peace and security as well as for forgiveness and reconciliation and this message will continue.
“We as a government will continue to lead by example and not only provide a second chance to our citizens but we will provide as many chances as are necessary to ensure that our people live in peace, live comfortably, show respect for one another, and most importantly, show respect for the life of their neighbour, their villager, and every citizen and resident in the country, and we will not waiver in doing that,” he stated.
