Prime Minister Philip J Pierre has announced at this week’s pre cabinet that the government will “double the money available to the youth economy for grants” in the next budget, citing the program’s success in empowering young people across Saint Lucia.
Pierre said that the “youth economy has been a very successful venture”, with “over 1 000 who have benefited” since its launch. The initiative provides grants and training opportunities to young people seeking to start or expand their businesses.
According to the Prime Minister, the grant program which awards “a grant of $5 000 that came with training” has outpaced the loan component, which is being administered by the Saint Lucia Development Bank. He added that discussions are underway to strengthen the loan programme and expand its reach.
Pierre praised the independence of the Youth Economy Agency, noting that it operates on a “purely rational, purely meritocracy” basis. He emphasised that decisions are made by “an independent board” and not influenced by politics.
Pierre also addressed challenges in processing applications quickly, citing “an over demand from young people” as the main reason for delays. Despite this, he called the overwhelming interest “heartening” and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving efficiency.
Turning to national security, the Prime Minister revealed that the government has ordered “1 300 special belts for the police” after repeated complaints about discomfort with their current gear.
“The police were complaining for a long time that they were very uncomfortable with the belts they were using,” Pierre said. “Hopefully each police [officer] will get a new belt, which will make it more comfortable for them, and make their work easier.”
He explained that the belts are currently being completed and should arrive soon. “The last word I got from the minister… was that the belts were being built and the buckle was being put on them,” he said, expressing satisfaction that officers would soon be “much more comfortable.”
Pierre added that this initiative follows the distribution of new bulletproof vests, reinforcing his administration’s focus on “the welfare of our police.”
Belts for police. That’s all the PM has to talk talk about. What a joke. Belts?