The following describes the key activities of the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation.
Growth and Employment
When the sugar industry was closed in 2005 some 1406 workers or over 9% of the workforce in St. Kitts and Nevis were put out of work. Hence a major challenge for St. Kitts and Nevis is the establishment of alternative industries capable of absorbing these workers and of generating levels of economic growth that would over time secure improved standards of living for the residents and nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis generally and for the displaced sugar workers specifically. Hence a major goal of the SIDF is the facilitation and funding of economic projects (including supporting infrastructure) that would advance the growth, transformation and diversification of the economy of St. Kitts and Nevis, and provide increased employment opportunities for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Poverty Reduction
There is considerable risk that many of the displaced sugar workers may be pushed below the poverty line unless they are expeditiously provided alternative sources of income. This would significantly undermine the progress that has been made in St. Kitts and Nevis over the years to reduce poverty and to advance human development. The SIDF will therefore collaborate with the Ministry of Social Development of the Government to identify displaced sugar workers in need of assistance and to provide such assistance in an expeditious manner. More generally the SIDF will implement projects aimed at accelerating the pace at which St. Kitts and Nevis attains the Millennium Development Goals.
Environmental Protection
The closure of the sugar industry has made it necessary for St. Kitts and Nevis to pay even closer attention to the protection of the environment. As the Government has indicated in its National Adaptation Strategy, the sugar cane plant has over the years, moderated the influence of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment in St. Kitts and Nevis. Moreover, the sugar cane has helped to protect and preserve the fragile volcanic soils of the island of St. Kitts thereby preventing both disastrous flooding and erosion and allowing for the infiltration of rainfall and the recharging of the extensive underground aquifers which now supply over 90% of the population with potable water. Hence, the SIDF will implement a range of projects aimed at mitigating the impact of the closure of the sugar industry on the environment.
Gender Equity
It is estimated that some 30% of the displaced sugar workers are women. Most of them were unskilled field worker with no certification of formal or vocational education. In fact, of the 483 workers employed in field operations when the industry was closed in 2005, some 270 were women. Moreover, many of them were middle-aged and had spent their entire lives working in the cane fields. It has been particularly difficult for this group of workers to find alternative employment in tourism and the other growing sectors of economy. The social impact of the displacement of these workers is particular significant because some 22% of women workers are the sole breadwinners in their households. Hence, SIDF intends to implement a number of projects in the agricultural sector geared specifically to providing income for this group of women.
Enterprise Development
Many of the displaced sugar workers have expressed interest in establishing their own enterprises, but they are serious constrained by the lack of technical and financial resources. The SIDF will therefore collaborate with existing micro and small business financial institutions to boost the level of financial and technical assistance available for the establishment and operations of small businesses.
Human Resource Development
Enhanced human resource development has become an imperative for St. Kitts and Nevis as a result of the need to prepare the displaced sugar workers to take up employment opportunities in the growing sectors of the economy. Hence, the SIDF plans to fund a number scholarships and short-term training programmes that would be consistent with the ongoing efforts of the Government to transform and diversify the economy, and to provide new avenues of employment for the displaced sugar workers.