Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet said the Government of Saint Lucia is more than concerned about unemployment in the country.

The Prime Minister added that there is urgency in further reducing the rate, although the number of people who are jobless has declined to 21.8 percent.

Two sectors, namely, information technology and tourism/hospitality, continue to provide the avenue to achieve this. To date, 2000 new jobs have been created in the IT sector.

Prime Minister Chastanet informed that “KM2 has hired an additional 400 people. A company located in the Johnson’s Building has hired 400. A local entrepreneur in the Alfiona Building has a staffing of between 300 – 400 people. Ojo Labs is up to 230 workers with that number to climb to seven hundred by the end of next year. Four major international companies are currently in dialogue with Government on opening here. If successful, up to two thousand jobs will be available.”

This positive direction in the local economy is expected to continue as the US economy recovers and maintains growth. The impact will be felt most in the tourism and hospitality sector. Consequently, government has moved to position Saint Lucians, particularly the youth to take advantage of the opportunities. With youth unemployment at 38.8 percent, decreasing from 45.01 percent in 2017, the National Apprenticeship Program has partnered with Monroe College in a new hospitality training program. One hundred and fifty young persons from the south of the island are attending the recently opened Centre. They receive a monthly allowance of $500 dollars from government for the duration of study. In January 2019, another 150 candidates will be enrolled. The program prepares participants for employment at hotels and the cruise sector.

Carnival Cruise Lines and MSC, the Prime Minister says, have committed to sending teams to work alongside Monroe College to train the candidates. The Cruise Lines are welcoming 22 new ships and are scouting for talent.

Prime Minister Chastanet said government will intensify efforts at increasing job opportunities on the island as 2019 unfolds.