Douglas makes appeal for employment and affordable college education for youths

With the recent closure of St. Kitts’ Lutron Liamuiga, the downsizing of Domus manufacturing and the termination of the entire production line at KOSCAB (St Kitts and Nevis) Limited, rising unemployment in St Kitts and Nevis is causing grave concern in the twin-island federation.

In a call on Sunday for employment and business opportunities for young people, Leader of the Opposition, the Rt Hon Dr Denzil L Douglas also appealed for affordable college education for the youths, adequate healthcare and genuine youth empowerment.

“Our country needs now, more than ever before, employment and business opportunities for our citizens, especially our young people. Your children need more opportunities for affordable college education. Our country needs the input of all our people to stem the swelling tide of criminal activity; we urgently need criminal justice reform so that we can focus on empowering rather than incarcerating and criminalising our youth,” said Dr Douglas in brief remarks on Sunday at the Unique Touch Christian Center, where he continued a month of activities to mark 30 years of Parliamentary service.

“We need more affordable housing solutions for the working poor, especially our young MEN and women; more affordable modern diagnostic health services and specialist medical care,” Dr Douglas told the congregation.

Dr Douglas, who is also the political leader of the St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party also called for Kittitians and Nevisians to stand together to end political victimisation and stigmatisation.

In defining his role as a Transformative and Transitional Leader of a new Labour Administration, Dr Douglas expressed pride “to be able to work with and lead into government such a dynamic, motivated and committed Team of Candidates which our Party has worked hard to cultivate from a vast number of young Leaders who will carry forward our Legacy into the next generation.”

The former prime minister alluded to the enormous accomplishments that the people of St Kitts and Nevis achieved as a nation during his tenure and lamented that there is still much that is yet to be done.

“This is why I have again moved forward to serve this country. t is my deep desire to continue to lend of my experience, maturity and leadership skills acquired to take this country to even higher heights of peace and prosperity,” Dr Douglas said.