NEW WAGE-SHARING FRAMEWORK TO IMPROVE LONG-TERM VIABILITY OF STEP

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, February 13, 2026 (SKNIS): The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is implementing key reforms to the Skills Training and Empowerment Programme (STEP) to enhance the prospects for enrollees working within the private sector, while ensuring the sustainability of the programme.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, who has responsibility for the STEP, spoke about the changes on Thursday, February 12, 2026, during a Sitting of the National Assembly. He started his Statement by Ministers by reminding the House that the original design of the STEP, launched in 2012, as the People Empowerment Programme (PEP), was a short-term skills training programme, where persons can gain valuable skills and experience in various fields. The trainees are fully paid by the government, and eventually, the public and private sector entities would take on the trainees full time or the individuals would be gainfully employed elsewhere or start their own business.

However, some persons have remained on the STEP for years, some even surpassing 10 years working with the same business. The government subsequently formed a committee of professionals and charged them to review the current model guiding the STEP operations, and recommend enhancement changes. Members held conversations with businesses and others that benefit from the programme.

A key reform measure asks businesses that continue to benefit from the services of persons enrolled with STEP to take on a 50 percent share of the wages/salary paid.

“Many of them [business owners] came in, Madam Speaker, sat with the team at the office and agreed that something had to be done,” said Dr. Hanley. “We are grateful to those who, from the very onset, said I can do 50-50. We are happy with that. There were some who brought in their [business] statements, and they were able to say to us at this time, I can only do 60-40. I do 40, the STEP, do the 60, and we welcome both.”

Currently, the government invests $1.5 million per week to pay the wages/salaries of STEP enrollees. The deputy prime minister highlighted the importance of ensuring that the programme attains a sustainable level.

“All we are asking Madam Speaker, is for these businesses after 10-11 years you have persons assigned to you, it is only fair for you to now consider firstly, partnering with us, sharing, so that we will be able to help more persons who are in need of that assistance, and eventually we move towards you fully employing these people,” Dr. Hanley expressed, rubbishing the suggestions that persons will fired from STEP.

“Madam Speaker, the country can be assured that no one will be sent home,” he stated, noting that some workers may have to be repurposed in the public sector. “We are asking for stronger partnerships as we continue to serve and invest in our people.”