St Kitts and Nevis government provided $3 million support to fisheries in pandemic

A year ago, on March 16, 2020, St Kitts and Nevis recorded the first two cases of coronavirus. Soon after receiving the initial cases, the government declared the closure of borders followed by a strict state of emergency and lockdowns.

On one year of the crisis, Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris addressed the people in the "Leadership Matters" show, where he discussed the severe economic effects and government strategies during the pandemic.

Besides discussing the vaccine strategy and upcoming projects, PM Harris also discussed the benefits several sectors received from the $120 million stimulus package announced in 2020.

Listing down down the accomplishments of the government even during the severe ongoing pandemic, Prime Minister emphasized that the economy of the country kept going with borders opening and placing all export manufacturing plants back into work.

Stimulus Package: PM Harris also discussed the most extensive stimulus packaged in the region and stated that it provided assistance to the fisheries sector. The stimulus packaged for fisheries provided a whopping $3 million support to the sector. He said that fishermen benefited from fish trap wires, fishing ropes, buoy, safety equipment, hooks, and other necessities. A rise in fisheries output: With support from the stimulus package, the fisheries sector experienced a comeback from an 83% reduction in fisheries output in April 2020 to an increase in output in May to December 2020 with 524,140 lbs. Which is almost a 27% comparative increase. While talking about the coronavirus, PM Harris stated that the government's aim is to get everyone in the age cohort 18 to 80 years vaccinated as soon as possible. He said that he is optimistic that the country will overcome the consequences of the contagious disease.

He also noted the country's historic vaccination plan and said that 20% target population received their first dose of the Oxford Astrazeneca coronavirus vaccine in three weeks.

PM Harris stated that nearer countries like Jamaica, St Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, and St Vincent have all recorded coronavirus-related deaths while St Kitts and Nevis reported none.

Besides this, he stated that COVID-19 poses a real threat to the people and economy of St Kitts and Nevis like the entire world.

Prime Minister applauded the inhabitants for their discipline, good sense, and resilience towards the guidelines. He acknowledged the responsible behavior of people in the battle against COVID-19.

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"I want to place St Kitts and Nevis back on the flourishing path we were on before the COVID-19 pandemic. By March, we had the highest number of Social Security contributors, employees, and jobs on record," Dr. Timothy Harris. 

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Furthermore, he stated that the government remains committed to delivering a better way of life for all the people of and in St Kitts and Nevis.