GOVERNMENT PASSES LANDMARK LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT TO PROTECT MINIMUM WAGE EARNERS IN SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, July 10, 2025 (SKNIS) – In a major step toward strengthening social equity, the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis today, (Thursday, July 10), passed a key amendment to the Housing and Social Development Levy Act. This amendment ensures that individuals earning the national minimum wage of $500 per week, as well as those earning slightly above that threshold (up to $520 per week), will no longer be subject to deductions under the levy.

The Housing and Social Development Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, modifies Section 3, Subsection (2), Subparagraph (a) of the Act, guaranteeing that no levy is deducted from wages up to $520 per week or $27,040 annually.

Mover of the Bill, the Honourable Konris Maynard, emphasised that the measure is designed to eliminate any disparity in take-home pay among low-income earners.

“Madam Speaker, this targeted exemption ensures that small increases in earnings do not result in the reduction of net income,” Minister Maynard explained. “This is to protect the lower wage earners. It maintains fairness and it preserves the integrity of our social contribution system.”

This progressive legislative action follows recommendations made by the National Minimum Wage Advisory Committee and received strong endorsement from the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board.

Minister Maynard also highlighted the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party’s consistent commitment to improving the lives of workers across the Federation.

“It is in 2025, that the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party increased the minimum wage to $500 per week. It was in 2024, that a St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party administration increased the minimum wage to $430, and it was in 2014, that a St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party administration increased the minimum wage to $360,” Minister Maynard said, noting that each increase under a Labour administration has reinforced their core belief that every worker deserves fair compensation.

“This is more than just a policy adjustment,” he added. “It is really a signal to every worker or person entering the world of work that their labour matters; their dignity matters, and their future matters.”

This legislative amendment to the Housing and Social Development Levy Act represents another tangible action by the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis to build a more inclusive and equitable society, where all citizens are protected and empowered.

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