SKN Labour party first opposition to provide COVID-19 relief, set to distribute 1000 care packages

Finding simple household goods such as flour, rice, milk and many other sanitary products has been a challenge for residents of St Kitts and Nevis since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party, a political outfit functioning as opposition in the nation, is doing what it can to help. The party launched “Next-Gen SKN Care initiative” under the leadership of former Prime Minister Dr Denzil L Douglas. Notably, this is the first of its kind in the whole Caribbean that an opposition party has offered significant relief to the citizens.

In its first instance, under the relief initiative, SKN Labour Party will provide 1000 care package food baskets to the most severely impacted during this economic lockdown. “Our mission is to get this done before the Nation returns to 24hr lockdown on Saturday 4 April at 7 pm.

Leader of opposition, Dr Denzil Douglas, during his address on KYSS FM, asserted that he is doctor before a politician. “Funds which were being raised to finance the election campaign of 2020 general elections will be moved and dedicated to Next-Gen SKN Cares Initiative, which is an NGO (A charity organ of St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party).”

Opposition leader Dr Denzil L Douglas also wrote to Police Commissioner to assist party volunteers in distribution of another 2000 care packages to people of St Kitts and Nevis during the period of curfew till April 9. “Country has been on shutdown, we would be able to provide support to people who are severely affected by the economic crisis in SKN,” said Dr Douglas.

According to reliable sources, the letter requests Police Commissioner to provide curfew pass or permission for around 10 persons who will be distributing free food and goods supplies to the needy people, specifically poor people who will starve to death if curfew remains in force.

Dr Douglas, in his letter, mentions his priority of hygiene and sanitisation during distribution. “We in SKN Labour Party has an efficient team of doctors, and we are committed to follow all the precautions before distributing care products to people. Proper equipment will be used, i.e. masks, gloves and hygiene will be maintained along with social distancing for both during packaging and distribution.”

According to information, after the distribution of 1000 free care packages by Saturday evening, the opposition party has planned to disseminate another 2000 care packages to the needy people of SKN. Dr Douglas pointed out that the packages which are being distributed will reach out to each and every needy person regardless of their affiliation with any political party in St Kitts.

The package will include all sort of essential goods for household. Vienna sausages, tuna, rice, macaroni and cheese, flour, oats, milk, Ovaltine, tea bags, sugar, power mix drinks, bleach, soap, masks and many other everyday products to provide major relief to the public.

The move came after the failure of the government to provide any relief fund to citizens of SKN as people are struggling to get food for their families. Deputy Leader of SKN Labour Party, Marcella Liburd said that the initiative would provide support to elderly, persons with disabilities, laid off from jobs and single mothers along with the people with minimum wages.