Responses of Ministers of Labour and The Perspectives of Social Actors To The Current Economic Crisis SAINT LUCIA 1

Saint Lucia’s Country Poverty Assessment /06 Poverty25.1%28% Indigence7.1%1.6%

IMPACT Increase in the price of commodities Slow down of activity in the tourism and construction sectors Layoffs and reduced work weeks in the Tourism Sector Job losses in other sectors on a smaller scale Winding down of large capital intensive projects Deceleration in real estate activities Decline in remittances Deportees policy of the USA (return migration)

IMPACT As of March 2009, 520 persons lost jobs Falling visitor arrivals Rate of unemployment 14%(population of 160, 000) Informal Sector is growing

STRATEGY National Crisis Response Plan Job creation Social protection

Department of Labour Cadre of eight labour Inspectors Labour Inspectors link between Ministry and workplaces Consultation with employers Strengthening of bilateral relations Preventative conciliation

RESPONSES Activate an unemployment data bank Partnering with other agencies, such as Social Development Fund, National Skills Development Centre Database will serve as a repository for firms wishing to recruit persons Two(2) workshops will be held in collaboration with non government agencies Counseling will be provided for the unemployed persons Information will help guide interventions

Social Protection Measures 1.Koudmein Saint Lucia Program Deal with poverty at the household level Psycho-Social Support is provided Assistance would be in areas such as health, education, housing and employment income.

S ocial Protection Measures 2.HOPE- Holistic Opportunities For Personal Employment Program Temporary employment program To support quick re-entry of workers into the labour market Facilitating labour absorption/protect the poor and vulnerable Focus on beautification and landscaping activities and construction activities at the community level A health support and personal development component Two thousnad(2000) persons on an annual basis $EC 9.5 million has been budgeted for this program

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Largest Social Safety Net Program Three thousand, six hundred(3,600) individuals receive monthly public assistance. Allocation of EC$4-8 million

OTHERS School funding Program Book bursary and education assistance program Insurance to pensioners, ranging from 2% to 5% Fee waivers

JOB ROTATION 1. Exogenous shock facility To provide small business with short term liquidity Funding of EC $7 million from an International organization Will assist small business Tourism related services, agriculture and agri-business

JOB ROTATION 2. Youth Enterprise Equity Fund Start up equity for young entrepreneurs Partner with other agencies who will benefit from tax write-offs Allocation is approximately EC $8.7 m

JOB ROTATION 3 Partnership Program Government will partner with the Unions and the private sector Government will provide legal services and seek capital Government will also guarantee them a ready market for three(3)years Employers will be provided with the administration and training skills to manage their affairs

PUBLIC SECTOR CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE 2009/2010 Long Term EC Re-development of port Castries$55m to $60m Hewanorra Airport expansion$60m Bois d’Orange Hyper mart Building$32.5m Fire Stations/office Complex$35m Housing Projects$31m

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