Promotion of Employment as a Cross Cutting Concern of Social Policies “Livelihood Creation for Women Made Redundant by the Closure of the Sugar Industry in St. Kitts and Nevis Presented by Ian M Liburd

Background 350 year old industry Shaped economic and social landscape High production costs, decline in contribution to GDP and loss of preferential markets over the years Closed in July 2005

Life after sugar? 1,200 workers made redundant including 330 women 81% of women employed in field operation Women unskilled and lacked certification One year later only 25% of women re- employed

Retraining and Retooling Persons interested in hospitality, construction, vehicle maintenance and agriculture Training must reflect workers interests Training should be based on market needs Necessary to create opportunities for self- employment and micro enterprise

The manufacturing of school uniforms and industrial uniforms for the tourism sector Assistance from the Caribbean Development Bank Target 15 women from St. Pauls Participants attended work/study attachment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Group started own business and now provide uniforms for government’s school uniform assistance programme

Livelihood Creation 30 women from sugar belt Training in upholstery and tiling Not many skilled in upholstery Burgeoning construction industry

Life Skills Numeracy and Literacy Self Esteem Effective Communication Parenting Skills Relationship Skills Good Business Practices Entrepreneurship Decision making, Professionalism Marketing Ethical Standards Budgeting and Record Keeping Customer Service

Positive Feedback “Things I did not understand I was able to understand and now I will be able to do my own business” “It was an eye opener for me” “I was doing a lot of things wrong, now I know a little better” “I learned that business planning and record keeping can tell me what is selling and who is buying”

Contributing Factors of Success Effective partnership Marketing Constant motivation Built in quality control and additional opportunities Monitoring and evaluation

Effective Partnerships OAS and CDB for funding National Skills Training Programme Small Enterprise Development Unit Contractors’ Association The Community The Media

Marketing Coverage on media Exhibitions Celebration Party after tiling was finished Sale of items at regional football tournament

Visit by OAS Director

Quality Control Facilitators to offer quality control services Apprenticeships Additional training

Monitoring and Evaluation Engagement of Project Coordinator Department will follow progress of women

Conclusion Number of women exposed to new skills that are used to reduce their poverty and improve their standard of living Women are more empowered and now accept that there is life without sugar Formation of lasting relationships which they can rely on for future advancement. Creation of employment (inclusive of self-employment) Provision of income generating capacity

Thanks/Gracias ANY QUESTIONS?