Premier Mark Brantley criticizes NRP for politicizing honorarium payment for frontline workers

St Kitts and Nevis: Premier of Nevis and the leader of the Concerned Citizens Movement- Mark Brantley, criticized the NRP for politicizing the honorarium due to frontline workers in Nevis. 

Read Here: Full statement of Premier Mark Brantley: 

I see the hopeless NRP is trying its best to politicize the honorarium due to frontline workers in Nevis. I think the timeline of events should help the general public.

On September 12 the Media reported that the Federal Cabinet had made a decision to pay an honorarium to frontline workers. This was repeated by PM Drew on October 4, 2022. However, there was NO decision or statement as to the amount to be paid or who would be considered a “frontline worker” for payment.

On October 6, 2022 I held my press conference and indicated when asked that we had heard of the Federal Cabinet decision to pay the honorarium but had no details and I had to check with the Prime Minister on the matter. I indicated then that I agreed that our Nevisian workers should be recognized as well with an honorarium for their Herculean efforts during the Covid19 pandemic.

On October 20, 2022 the Media reported that the Federal Cabinet had finally determined 1. the amount of the honorarium ($2,000) and 2. the categories of persons who would be eligible. It was also reported that eligible frontline workers in St. Kitts would receive payment the next day being October 21, 2022. This information had not been communicated to the NIA prior and so it would have been impossible for the NIA to compile lists of eligible workers in Nevis and arrange payment in 24 hours. I have since spoken with PM Drew and that communication issue has been resolved.

As a result, the office of the Premier issued a Press Release that same day explaining this and giving the assurance that eligible workers in Nevis will also receive their honorarium as stipulated now that the amount and the category of eligible workers had been stated nationally.

I am confident that the people of Nevis KNOW that in the CCM they have leadership that they can trust to always secure their best interests. To our eligible frontline workers therefore please ignore the noise and the noisemakers. Your honorarium to say THANK YOU for your hard work during the Covid19 pandemic SHALL be paid to you as soon as lists are completed and we shall shortly share information with you on this.