NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL FORMALLY ESTABLISHED TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH 

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, July 10, 2025 (SKNIS): The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has taken a decisive step toward boosting national productivity with the formal establishment of the National Productivity Council. Minister of Labour and Employment, the Honourable Marsha Henderson, delivered remarks on the new Council during the July 10, 2025, Sitting of the National Assembly, emphasising its role in supporting economic development and the Sustainable Island State Agenda.

The Council was formed based on a recommendation from the National Minimum Wage Advisory Committee, outlined in its final report submitted in December 2024. Minister Henderson thanked the Committee and its Chairperson, His Excellency Sam Condor, for their vital contribution to this milestone.

“The rationale for the establishment of the Productivity Council, like I said, came from the recommendations of the committee. One of the recommendations listed in the final report published on December 05, 2024 – specifically recommendation three (3) at page 18 – says any future increases in the minimum wage should take into consideration the issue of productivity, hence the importance of such a body,” said Minister Henderson.

Minister Henderson underscored the link between productivity and national development, referencing comments made by the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Timothy Antoine, during the 2025 National Budget Consultation held last year. The Governor identified productivity as a critical factor in achieving a seven (7) percent annual growth rate and doubling the national GDP from $2.3 billion to $4.6 billion.

The Council is mandated under the National Productivity Act No. 3 of 2024 to promote a culture of productivity, efficiency, and innovation across both public and private sectors. It will also facilitate collaboration and the exchange of best practices, while working to enhance productivity in the civil service and the wider workforce.

The minister noted the significance of the Council to the broader vision of national transformation.

“A sustainable island state, this government is clearly focused on making sure that is in place, and it is our view at the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the government’s view overall that the establishment of the Council is directly related to the government’s focus on creating the sustainable island state,” saidMinister Henderson. “For us, a sustainable island state is one where income inequality and anti-poverty measures are adequately addressed and the lowest-paid workers earn a liveable wage where they can fully participate in a harmonious and socially responsible society.”

Minister Henderson also provided context for the country’s minimum wage progression over the past two decades, culminating in the current phased increase from $10.75 to $12.50 per hour, based on the 2023 committee’s recommendation. A monitoring committee – chaired by Patricia Welch of the ECCB – was established to assess the impact of the increase and guide future adjustments.

Earlier this week, on July 08, Her Excellency the Governor-General, Dame Marcella Liburd, administered the Oaths of Office and presented Instruments of Appointment to the eight members of the National Productivity Council namely Sam Condor (Chairperson); Jeffrey Berry; Irvine Daniel; Farida Hobson; Kevin Barrett; Kevion Hodge-Huggins; Mark Wilkin, and Deshai Dore.

The National Minimum Wage Advisory Committee comprises representatives from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and nominees from the offices of the Prime Minister, Deputy Governor of Nevis, and the Premier of Nevis.

Minister Henderson thanked the Council and Committee members and expressed confidence in the important work ahead.

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