BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 15^th May 2024)-In a move towards modernisation, the government’s STEP (Skills Training Empowerment Programme) office in St. Kitts has introduced an online system for the submission of workers’ timesheets by employers for processing weekly payments.

This initiative via an app, developed by local STEP Accountant Clive Nias, who is also an IT (Information Technology) technician, aims to eliminate the need for paper-based submissions, enhance efficiency, improve information records and boost security.

This reporter had an exclusive chit-chat with Nias on Tuesday 14^th May 2024 at the STEP office, located on the Bay Road in Basseterre.

“We are currently going digital using the app. It’s more efficient, more effective, and it also allows more security, meaning we give the employers the actual login information and not the employees because we used to have challenges with it in relation to verifying the timesheet submissions,” he noted.

Nias’ information as developer can be found in the app details for the ‘AttendanceSystem’ on the Google Play Store. The system can be accessed via mobile phones and computer devices.

“The system is so easy, so user-friendly. Once you get accustomed to it, it doesn’t take more than two minutes. Just take two minutes out of your day. When you are lying down watching TV, just remember the STEP [timesheet].”

As understood, Nias proposed this digital solution, recognizing the pressing need for a more efficient system, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I put forward the proposal to [management] just when COVID started [in 2020] because, you know, we couldn’t have people back and forth in the office,” Nias explained. “We had to come up with something that allowed us to continue operations without physical interactions. Technology provided that solution.”

According to the IT Technician, the transition to the digital system has been met with mostly positive response.

“The response we have received is more positive than negative. Of course, with anything new, there are those who don’t want to change their ways, but so far so good.”

Asked about the response from the older in age employers, the accountant added, “Majority of them were saying we are not thinking about them but when we show them the system, they said they like it and realize the convenience of using it. At first, they were not into it, but after showing them how it operates, they agree it’s something good we are doing.”

According to Nias, employers were given a one-month notice, and that initially fifteen (15) employers were using the app in April but now almost all employers on the island are using the digital platform.

“We sent out a notice exactly on April 3rd, and we gave a deadline of May 3rd. So we had a month notice,” the accountant said. “Our next step once St. Kitts is fully completed is to go over to Nevis and sensitize the employers on Nevis. I can safely say we have about 90% of employers on St. Kitts using this online attendance system.”

To date, there is a recorded 100 + (meaning over 100) downloads.

One of the significant benefits of the new system is the extended timeframe for submitting timesheets.

“The timesheet with this new digital way, normally we are ask people to submit timesheets on Monday by 4 o’clock to be able to process but now we have up until midnight,” the STEP accountant explained. “We give people more time. Those who finish working late and don’t have the time can now submit when they are relaxing. They have enough time to input the data. So, we start accepting from Friday afternoon. They can submit Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday up to midnight.”

To further enhance user experience, the platform will soon feature push notifications.

“The next step we are going to implement is a push notification to remind persons to submit the timesheet,” Nias said.

Commenting on general the usefulness of technology, he expressed: “Technology is so great but as a society and business community, we need to utilize it more. Everything around us revolves around technology. So, I would say it’s a great thing to have; we just need to use it in more meaningful ways,” Nias remarked.

As gathered, employers interested in transitioning to this more efficient, eco-friendly process are encouraged to register by either reaching out via WhatsApp at 762-8317 or visiting the STEP office.

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 16^th May 2024)- “Well, what I can say is that the radio appearance exercise went very well because even this afternoon, as I was meeting with a lot of workers, they felt that what we said yesterday was very impactful and that people really need to join the union in these times.”

So said Field Officer of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union (SKNT&LU) and executive committee member Sean Kelly in giving review after he, alongside General Secretary Precious Mills, participated in a highly engaging ‘Issues’ radio appearance on Freedom FM (106.5) on Wednesday 15^th May 2024. with host Maurice ‘EK’ Flanders- a well-known media personality and union advocate.

The Union representatives discussed the critical role of workers being unionised in today’s workplace environment, receiving significant feedback from workers who resonated with the message.

Reflecting on the appearance during an interview with this media house, Kelly emphasized the increasing pressures faced by workers and the necessity of union support.

“Right now, workers are under attack in the workplaces. So every worker right now needs a voice who will help them to stand the tide on their job,” he stated, highlighting the union’s role as a steadfast ally for employees navigating workplace challenges.

Kelly also touched on the recent International Workers Day (Labour Day) march, noting the Union’s success in raising awareness and garnering attention from the community and workers on a whole.

“Well, the march, it was successful on the union’s behalf because we got across to the bystanders and the people, they paid attention to the messages we sent along the route,” he explained.

He went on to say that the Union is already looking forward to making an even bigger impact next year.

“We have made a decision that next year we want a bigger impact. So, therefore, we have started the preparation of putting ideas together of how we could make the march happen. It is going to be much bigger and more impactful for workers.”

In light of the importance of union membership being a central theme of the discussion, Kelly shared insights based on his daily interactions with workers.

“You can see the need for the union in their lives because some people feel that their bosses are not listening to them, they want to take advantage of them, pay them what they feel like, not pay social security, you know, just ill-treat them, put them to do things against what doctors are advising.

He emphasized that many workers recognize the value of having a union to advocate for their rights and interests.

The Union Field Officer is urging workers to view union membership not as a financial burden but as a valuable investment in their future.

“So, they’re saying that they think that workers on a whole should gravitate to the union, and not see the weekly dues of $5.00 as a burden, but see it as an investment into a better workplace,” he noted.

The radio appearance on Freedom FM has evidently struck a chord with the workforce, as indicated by the positive feedback received by Kelly and General Secretary Mills.

According to Mills, the discussion underscored the union’s commitment to advocating for workers’ rights and improving workplace conditions across St. Kitts and Nevis.

She also highlighted that as the union continues its efforts, the organisation remains dedicated to ensuring that every worker has a strong, supportive voice in their corner.

The upcoming initiatives and plans aim to further solidify the union’s presence and impact, ensuring that the message of solidarity and support reaches even more members of the community.

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 17^th April 2024)-In anticipation of Labour Day, the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union (SKNT&LU), has launched its ‘Workers Matter First’  online campaign, aimed at amplifying the voices of workers and fostering a culture of advocacy and solidarity.

With the theme ‘Workers Matter First,’ the campaign- which kicked off on Monday 8^th April 2024- underscores the union’s unwavering commitment to prioritising the rights, welfare, and interests of workers across St. Kitts and Nevis.

SKNT&LU General Secretary Precious Mills expressed excitement about the launch of the campaign, emphasizing its significance in the lead-up to Labour Day.

“As we approach Labour Day, it is fitting that we reaffirm our dedication to putting workers at the forefront of our agenda. The ‘Workers Matter First’ campaign serves as a rallying cry for workers’ rights and highlights the importance of collective action in advancing the interests of workers,” she stated.

“Stay connected with the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union online and let your voice be heard. Workers matter first, now and always,” she urged also.

According to the Union official, another exciting near future aspect would see a platform for union membership online registration, noting that “Workers would soon be able to enjoy the convenience of being able to become registered union members and pay their dues online.”

Of note, the campaign, which spans various digital platforms via social media, specifically WhatsApp and Facebook, aims to raise awareness about key issues affecting workers, provide resources and support, and promote solidarity among workers.

The Union is of the view that by leveraging the power of digital communication, the SKNT&LU seeks to engage with a broader audience and empower workers to actively participate in union activities and advocacy efforts.

“We believe that workers’ voices must be heard, respected, and valued,” Mills remarked whilst adding “Through the ‘Workers Matter First’ campaign, we are inviting workers from all sectors to join us in advocating for their rights, advocating for better working conditions, and advocating for a fair and just society for all.”

In the spirit of Labour Day, the SKNTLU is encouraging workers to join the ‘Workers Matter First’ campaign and be part of a movement dedicated to advancing the rights and dignity of workers. By participating in the campaign, workers can contribute to building a stronger, more united workforce and advocate for positive change in their workplaces and communities.

As Labour Day approaches, the SKNTLU remains committed to its mission of promoting workers’ rights, advocating for social justice and building a better future for all workers. Join the ‘Workers Matter First’ campaign today and be part of the movement for change.

Workers can follow and interact with the campaign by adding (and sending a message to) the Union’s WhatsApp via 661-2544 and also by hitting ‘LIKE’ and ‘Follow’ via its official www.facebook.com/SKNTLU page.

Workers are also being encouraged to become unionised members by registering at the Union’s office at Masses House on Church Street ($10 registration with weekly dues at $5).

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 18, 2024 (SKNIS): The Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) in St. Kitts is poised to step up recruitment initiatives to get more women involved in technical and vocational fields traditionally dominated by men.

The college’s newest project, which was launched on April 09, 2024, offers training to persons in solar photovoltaic and electrical vehicle maintenance and repair, and features one female and fourteen male students.

On the April 18, edition of the radio and television programme InFocus, Fitzroy Wilkin, project lead for the Caribbean Centre of Excellence in Research, Innovation, and Workforce Training project as it is officially dubbed, said he hoped to see more applications from women.

“The only disappointment … was the response from the female gender. I really expected a higher number,” Mr. Wilkin stated, noting that plans are being developed to aggressively attract more women to sign up for the second cohort of the free training.

CFBC President, Andrew Abraham, noted that the educational institution has seen some progress with female enrolment in areas such as carpentry, automotive and electrical. Additionally, CFBC is collaborating with partners to offer training for participants in Phase II of the Women Employment Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion Project.

“It is encouraging, and for us as it relates to the renewable energy programme, we are going to be more direct in terms of targeting women to enroll in the programme to begin the process of removing that gender bias, and so we will have more spaces available for women,” President Abraham stated, while encouraging females listening and viewing the programme to apply for technical and vocational courses.

“The [Business] Professional Women is an entity that we are going to be targeting of course,” he added. “We have one of the more active members of that body in Dr. Christine Walwyn, who we will be meeting with shortly to discuss other projects that CFBC can partner with to create additional opportunities for women.”

Mr. Abraham indicated that the non-traditional fields are welcoming to women. He cited the success of Anelda Maynard-Tate, a respected certified professional who taught electrical at CFBC for seven years as a model for women interested in the field.