Responses of Ministers of Labour and The Perspectives of Social Actors To

The Current Economic Crisis

SAINT LUCIA

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Saint Lucia’s Country Poverty Assessment

1995 2005/06Poverty 25.1% 28%

Indigence

7.1% 1.6%

IMPACTIncrease in the price of commoditiesSlow down of activity in the tourism and

construction sectorsLayoffs and reduced work weeks in the Tourism

SectorJob losses in other sectors on a smaller scaleWinding down of large capital intensive projectsDeceleration in real estate activitiesDecline in remittancesDeportees policy of the USA (return migration)

IMPACTAs of March 2009, 520 persons lost jobsFalling visitor arrivalsRate of unemployment 14%(population of

160, 000)Informal Sector is growing

STRATEGYNational Crisis Response Plan Job creation Social protection

Department of LabourCadre of eight labour InspectorsLabour Inspectors link between Ministry and

workplacesConsultation with employersStrengthening of bilateral relationsPreventative conciliation

RESPONSESActivate an unemployment data bankPartnering 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 Measures1.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.

Social 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

OTHERSSchool funding Program

Book bursary and education assistance program

Insurance to pensioners, ranging from 2% to 5%

Fee waivers

JOB ROTATION1. 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 ROTATION2. 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 ROTATION3 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 ECRe-development of port Castries$55m to

$60mHewanorra Airport expansion $60mBois d’Orange Hyper mart Building $32.5mFire Stations/office Complex $35mHousing Projects $31m

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