“This Is Real Support,” Prime Minister Drew Says as Government Investment in STEP Programme Reaches $54 Million in 2026 Alone

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 6, 2026 (PMO) — The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis invested EC$54 million in the Skills Training and Empowerment Programme (STEP) between January and October 2026, sustaining work and training opportunities for about 2,400 participants. Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, said the investment reflects his administration’s commitment to helping people earn a living, build practical skills and improve their prospects for permanent employment.

Speaking at The Roundtable on Thursday, November 5, Prime Minister Drew said his administration raised STEP pay to EC$500 a week as part of its response to cost-of-living pressures. He said participants had gone seven years under the previous administration without a pay increase and that his government made a deliberate decision to include them in its wage measures.

“We gave them an increase on the step, and so far we have spent $54 million, averaging about $5.4 million per month. This is real support coming from the government. All of this to deal with the challenges that people have,” Dr. Drew said.

The EC$500 weekly rate brings STEP pay in line with the national minimum wage for a 40-hour workweek. The government raised the hourly minimum wage in two phases, from EC$9.00 to EC$10.75 in January 2024 and then to EC$12.50 in July 2025. Dr. Drew said STEP workers faced the same pressures on their household budgets as other workers and should benefit from the increase.

“You couldn’t leave them out because we gave the increase to help with the cost of living. They are living in Saint Kitts and Nevis, they got the increase,” the Prime Minister said.

STEP was launched in February 2017, succeeding the People Employment Programme, which began in 2012. For young people entering the workforce, STEP offers a chance to earn while gaining practical experience they can bring to a future employer. Prime Minister Drew said the government wants to build on that opportunity by giving participants a clearer understanding of how long training lasts and how they can progress into permanent jobs.

“Well, I told the FS I want to see a comprehensive program of how we can improve the lives of the people on step,” Dr. Drew said.

The Prime Minister said he wants to hear directly from STEP workers as he consults the public ahead of the next budget. He also urged participants to put in a full day’s work and take pride in the service they provide.

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