Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698753156899.pdf (Saint Kitts and Nevis)
April 1st, 2021 Volume 5, Issue 1 Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs (MSDGA) COMMUNITY CORNER Women empowered to succeed with WEEFI Project Inside this issue: The Newsstand 1-4 House Matters 5 Working Scenes 6-7 School in Session 8-9 On de Playground Notice Board Contact Us 10- 11 12 12 The Women’s Employment, Entrepreneurship & Financial (WEEFI) Project Inclusion continues to benefit scores of women across the Federation.
The Project, which is funded by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), was launched on October 12th, 2021 with the aim of providing technical and financial support to unemployed women and female entrepreneurs struggling the COVID-19 environ- in ment.

Speaking at the Project Signing Ceremony, His Excel- lency Ambassador Michael Lin explained “This programme will not only teach women to fish, but will provide them with a fishing net”.
The Honourable Minister Eugene Hamilton also gave remarks at the Ceremony and lauded the long-standing relationship with The Republic of Chi- na (Taiwan) that led to the Women’s Empowerment Project coming into frui- tion, asserting that the Fed- eration indeed “had a friend - in the Republic of China on Taiwan”.
Three courses have been held in St. Kitts since the start of the Pro- ject, namely Business Strat- egy & Innovation, Food & Beverage Entrepreneur- ship & Beauty Entrepre- neurship, with a com- bined total of over one hundred women graduat- ing with increased skills and knowledge in their chosen fields, and the top performing candidates provided a seed Grant for further business de- velopment.
The Project, which has utilized the experience of local facilitators, is expected to wrap up in November of this year, with one additional Course planned for St. Kitts, to com- mence in June.

Scenes from WEEFI Project Counselling Unit renames and rebrands The Counselling arm of the Ministry, known for many years as the Counselling Centre or Counselling Unit, has now been officially renamed as The Na- tional Counselling Centre (NCC).
including youths, individu- als, couples, families and public and private sector organizations, explained NCC Deputy Director, Ms. Naeemah Hazelle.

next couple months, and will apply to most levels of clients, including self-referred clients, corporate referrals and re- quests for training on psycho- social topics.
The renaming, which became effective this year, was considered necessary in keeping with the importance of the Cen- tre and the services provided to many persons in the Federation, Several updates to the Centre’s operation are also expected to come on stream shortly, with one being the establishment of a fee structure which will become effective in the While Counselling services have customarily been free, Ms. Hazelle explained, “the new fee structure will be minimal, and will help to nor- malize the….
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2) Page 2 THE NEWSSTAND Volu m e 5, Issue 1 Counselling Centre renames and rebrands cont’d (cont’d from Pg.
1) “.. service of counselling, as just like any other service, for example, go- ing to a doctor”, she said, adding “Referrals that origi- nate within the Ministry and the services of Family counsel- lors will continue to be free.” The Centre expects to establish an online pres- ence and offer Group Coun- selling sessions in the near future as well, and facilitate access to an accredited training Course called ‘Darkness to Light’, which advocates for protecting children from sexual exploitation.
In addition to in- person sessions, online sessions via Zoom are already being offered, which provide added sustainability in the event of national lockdowns, and allow clients the option to utilize counselling services at their preferred location.

PCPS strengthens relationships in Juvenile Justice Probation Officials within the field of Juvenile Justice recent- ly came together to discuss ways of strengthening their improve chil- networks dren’s security and welfare.

network overall.
network overall.

to end, contact was made with Boston-based Chief Proba- tion Officer, Mr. Bernard Fitzergerald, who happily indicated that he had been visiting St. Kitts for the last eighteen years, and would be willing to conduct the train- ing during one of his visits.

The training was attended by twenty-five juvenile justice profession- als, including officials of the Police Force, Defence Force, and the Depart- ments of Probation & Child Protection Services and Gender Affairs.
The half-day work- shop entitled ‘Strengthening Re- lationships within Criminal Justice’ was organized by the Proba- tion & Child Protection Ser- vices (PCPS) Department and held at the Information Com- munications Technology (ICT) Centre on Thursday, March 3rd, 2022, with the aim of building better working relationships between PCPS and its partners in the field, so that all units could work col- lectively on children’s protec- tion.
Director of Probation & Child Protection Services, Mr. Gerald Connor, explained that the Department had pre- viously pro- grammes that could enhance the working relationship be- tween the Police and Proba- tion Departments, and to that researched Mr. Connor contin- ued, “A programme was creat- ed under Mr. Fitzgerald’s lead- ership called ‘Operation Night- light’, which included Police Officers and Probation Officers working together at evenings, going into different are- as…enforcing curfews and do- ing home visits together, to pre- vent juveniles from being on the street”.
During the work- shop, with discussions led by Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Con- nor, participants explored incorporating elements of that programme as well as different ways of building a stronger child protection that Noting the discussions were well re- ceived, Mr. Connor said, “The training was helpful as the information in terms of child protection and the Child Care & Adoption Act- and the way that we all fit into it- was new to some persons”.
He indicated that the Department planned to broaden the training to jun- ior staff of the same Units, as well as host more train- ing sessions on different aspects of Juvenile Justice and Child Protection in the near future.
For more information on the Ministry/Newsworthy events, please see our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MCDGASS PCPS Director Mr. Gerald Conno NCC Deputy Director, Ms. Naeemah Hazelle (Photo: ZIZ) “Referrals that origi- nate within the Minis- try and the services of Family counsellors will continue to be free.” PCPS Director and Facilitator address workshop participants (Photo: SKNIS) Volu me 5, Issue 1 THE NEWSSTAND Celebrations held for International Women’s Day Pa ge 3 Seven women were recog- nized for their contributions to the Federation during the annual International Wom- en’s Day (IWD) Award Cer- emony, held on Tuesday March 8th, 2022 at the Na- tional Heroes’ Park.
This year’s Ceremo- ny, which was chaired by Mrs. Toni Frederick- Armstrong, saw feature re- marks by Dame Constance Mitchum and the Honoura- ble Minister of Social Devel- opment and Gender Affairs, Mr. Eugene Hamilton, as well as performances by several female talents.
Awarded during the ceremony were Ms. Treasa Wyatt- Digital Economy, Mrs. Tricia King - Blue Economy, Dr. Merisa Grant-Tate – Women in revitalized last year after a long hiatus, and honours women who have achieved ‘first in their fields’, saw sev- en women being recognized as pioneers in different areas.

This year, seven fe- male trailblazers were induct- ed into the Gallery.
They are: Ms. Louise Clarke, First Female Fire Engine Driv- er, Mrs. Sheryl Bass, First Female Manager of The St. Kitts Cooperative Credit Union, Ms. Pat Walters, First Female Manager of The Cable, Mrs. Tricia King, First Female Marine Biologist, Mrs. Diane Dun- rod-Francis, First Female to represent the Federation at the Olympic Games, and Mrs. Giselle Matthews, First Female President of The Chamber of Industry & Commerce.
2022 IWD Awardees Science, Mrs. Ilis Palmer Watts and Mrs. Dianille Tay- lor-Williams for the Green Economy, and Ms. Hildred Carey– Prime Minister’s Awardee.

The celebration of women continued throughout March under the theme “Gender Equality today for a Sustainable Tomorrow” with several other activities held, including the second annual Pioneering Women’s Gallery Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, March 23rd.
The Pioneering Women’s Gallery, which was Honourable Minister Eugene Hamilton stands with 2022 Pioneering Gallery Inductees (Photo: SKNIS) “We want to give the public a sense as to what the Policy is about, and who it’s going to target” she said.

National Gender Policy approved by Federal Cabinet The National Gender Policy and Action Plan (GEPAP), which was finalized in December last year and submitted to Cabinet, has now been approved by the said body.
Mrs. Shinnel Charles, Senior Gender Field Officer in the Department of Gender Af- fairs, confirmed that the en- dorsement occurred in early March, and that the Department was now actively making plans to launch the Gender Policy and Action Plan, as well as sensitize the public and other stakeholders on its contents.
“We want to give the public a sense as to what the Policy is about, and who it’s going to target” she said, add- ing “And so we are planning an Open Day, which will hope- fully take place in May”.

Mrs. Charles dis- closed that the Open Day will likely involve major stakeholders in the Policy, such as the Ministries of En- vironment, Trade and Agri- culture, and that Consulta- tions are also expected to be organized with all major stakeholders in the near fu- ture, to chart the way for- ward.
“The Gender Policy is not just about Gender Af- fairs”, she said.

“The Gender Policy and Action Plan speaks to the mainstreaming of gender and the involvement of all sec- tors, and the strategic actions that each area should under- take to achieve a better gender balance” she added, noting that persons should stay tuned to learn more about the important document.
Official Poster of the GEPAP Page 4 THE NEWSSTAND Volu m e 5, Issue 1 Eight Men Awarded for International Men’s Day Eight deserving men were honoured at the annual International Men's Day Award Ceremony, hosted by the De- partment of Gender Affairs on No- vember 19th, 2021 at the CUNA Car- ibbean Conference Centre, Fortlands.
The Awardees and their area of recognition are: Mr. Samul Dug- gins -Agriculture, Mr. Val Henry - Communications/Entrepreneurship, Mr. Rhon Boddie - Disaster & Shelter Man- agement, Dr. Leroy Richardson -Health Care & Medicine, Mr. Keeshawn Banker Walywn - Culture, Dr. Marcus Natta - Humanitarian’s Award, and Mr. Vince Matthew- Prime Minister’s Awardee.
Chaired by Mr. St. Clair 'GQ' Liburd, the prestigious ceremony was graced with the presence of National Hero, Sir Kennedy Simmonds, the then Acting Prime Minister Honoura- ble Shawn Richards, the Honourable Minister Wendy Phipps, featured speaker Dr. Bichara Sahely, senior officers of the Ministry, and relatives of the Awardees.
The invocation was led by Pastor Phillip Webbe while male guest artistes, including Messrs. Brensly Blake, Asher Dolphin, Jermaine James, and Iquanja Bradley lent their musical talents to the successful stag- ing of the Event.
The 2021 Men’s Day Awardees 16-Day Campaign against Gender-Based Violence Well Supported Centenarians’ Corner Ms. Ruby Thomas Newtown Age 102 Ms. Bernice Sebastian USA Age 109 Mr. George David Stapleton Age 101 Ms. Agnes Kelsick - Age 100 Mrs. Esther Harris Sandy Point Age 100 Ms. Angeline Revan St. Peters Age 100 Congratulations!!
The 2021 16-Day Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence was held suc- cessfully and was well-supported by the public as well as many community activist groups, according to Senior Gender Field Officer, Mrs. Shinnel Charles.

Held under the local theme “Colour SKN and the World Orange and Purple: End Violence against Women Now!”, the Observance ran from No- vember 25th-December 10th with many activities organized in both St. Kitts and Nevis to highlight the issue of gender- based violence.
Some of the activities held were a Women’s Health Fair, a Candlelight Vigil to honour victims of domestic violence, Panel discussions on Radio and Television, and Ad- vocacy Training on Gender- Based Violence.

Scenes from 16-Day Campaign Mrs. Charles noted that the 2021 Campaign had a par- ticularly wide reach, thanks to the involve- ment of the many groups who came on board, including Silence no More, Garden of Re- birth, and the Women’s and Men’s Councils.
Volu me 5, Issue 1 THE NEWSSTAND STAFF MOVEMENTS Employment Mr. Tahir Hanley - Deputy House Parent, New Horizons Mr. Lauston Percival - Child Protection & Probation Officer 1, PCPS Pa ge 5 Attachment (WEEFIP) Mrs. Isilma Duggins Transfers Mr. Rae Browne - from Asst.
Deputy Director, New Horizons (external transfer) End of Attachment (STEP) Retirement Mrs. Celia Christopher - Director, Gender Affairs Mrs. Anne Wigley - Deputy Director, Community Development & Social Services Ms. Charissa Caesar - Probation & Child Protection Services Department April 16 April- Dahlia Scarborough 10 April- Naeemah Hazelle May 23 April - Azilla Clarke 1 May- Dorn Henry 28 April - Delroy Prentice 2 May - Stephan Joseph June 12 May - Sonia Tyson 20 May - Janan Stapleton 2 June - Idona Walwyn-Matthew 27 May - Venecia Wharton 3 June- Janelle Lewis-Tafari 3 June - Glentine Wattley 9 June- Donarette Sharry 12 June– Isis Nisbette 27 June- Shaneze Sam 27 June - Jeweleen Woodley STAFF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES CALENDAR April 5th-8th - Staff assignment to Houses April 14th—House Meetings April 29th - Ministry Learning Circle June 3rd– Mixed Football Competition July 29th—Mixed Basketball Competition August 26th - Hike September 15th - Sports Day Page 6 WORKING SCENES Volu me 5, Issue 1 Female staff have fun at Women’s Month Staff Appreciation Activity Officers Carey, Huggins and Wattley mentor teens at Girls Empowerment Session - Saddler’s High School Happy Retirement to Mrs. Celia Christopher and Ms. Anne Wigley!
Thanks for your many years of dedicated Service to the Ministry and country (Photo: SKNIS) Volu me 5, Issue 1 WORKING SCENES Pa ge 7 PAHO donates audio-visual equipment for the benefit of seniors and persons living with disabilities Foster children happily receive Christmas gifts donated by the Rotary Club of St. Kitts (Photo: SKNIS) Jamie Quamina poses for a ‘picture break’ Staff spread Christmas cheer during Holiday Gift Exchange St. Peter’s Pride Community Group donates to St. Peter’s Community Centre (Photo: SKNIS) Page 8 SCHOOL IN SESSION Volu me 5, Issue 1 The St. Kitts and Nevis Gender Equality Policy & Action Plan - A Brief Summary The Saint Kitts and Nevis Gender Equality Policy and accompanying Action Plan is the Government's commitment to mainstream gender.
The Policy provides a plat- form for gender equality in all sectors and areas of social, economic, political, and environmental development so that all citizens and residents can reap the benefits of inclusive, sustainable development.

A key focus for Saint Kitts and Nevis in developing modern and relevant gender equality policy was to be inclusive in addressing discrimination and inequality that boys/men and women/girls face.
Another critical focus was to fully integrate into all provisions and protections groups in the society who may be marginalised because of their socio-economic status or circumstances.

The Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan is a tool to monitor and report on the country’s progress in attaining agreed inclusive de- velopment targets.

To that end, the Policy supports Government's reporting and compliance obliga- tions under the varying international treaties to which it is a party.
The Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan 2022-2027 is the culmination of consultative processes and a secondary research agenda that completed its first phase in 2019, and has ten pillars or domains cor- responding to the agreed international priorities for achieving gender equality.

They elaborate on the Theory of Change (TOC) and the strategies to achieve the Government’s vision for transformative change on gender equality.
The ten (10) domains and co domains, with sub-sector primacies, are:  Agents of Socialisation (Culture, Family, Religion, Mass Media)  Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security  Climate Change and the Environment  Decent Work and Inclusive Economic Growth (Labour Market Participation and Social Protection, Employment, Productive Resources, and Entrepreneurship, Digital Technolo- gies, Tourism and Services, The Blue Economy (Optional)  Education for All  Elimination Of Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination For Human Security  Health and Well-being (Sexual and Reproductive Health, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Healthy Outcomes for Men and Boys and Men, COVID-19- Recovery and Resili- ence)  Leadership and Decision-making (Women in Parliament and Politics, Women in Policing and Security Forces, Equal Participation in Society)  Rule of Law, Justice, and Gender Rights  Special groups for gender mainstreaming (Older Persons, Youth, Persons with Disabilities -PWDs, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex -LGBTI people, Adults in the Justice System, and Migrant (foreign-born) populations (Source: St. Kitts-Nevis National Gender Policy & Action Plan) Volu me 5, Issue 1 SCHOOL IN SESSION Page 9 662-5021 Have breakfast!
This meals helps to increase your brain power, en- ergy and enthusi- asm for the day!

Avoid Unhealthy Snacks!

Many snacks are heavily and processed contain a lot of calories, which can lead to weight gain and increased sugar, salt, and cholesterol levels.

Light-hearted conversations at work can ease stress.

Keep healthy relation- ships with co- workers.

Keep your workspace clean, so that it doesn’t become a reservoir of dust and germs.

Clean the desks and computer regularly.

Watch your posture!
Watch your posture!

Bad posture increases strain on muscles and ligaments, and can make you feel sore and tensed.

Sit with feet on the floor with shoulders relaxed and back straight.

Don’t lean to one side for long periods.

Eat Lunch: Your lunch should be a nutrient-rich meal- to replenish your energy stores and protein to build up your muscles.

If you can, you should take homemade meals along with you when for lunch, to avoid overly pro- cessed foods.

Don’t just sit all day while at work.


Get up and stretch!

Take a short walk around your work environ- ment.

Stretch again before return- ing to work.

This helps reduce muscle tension, and can make you more relaxed and improve your mood.

Avoid long work-days.

Take regular breaks and to vacation keep stress from build- ing up.

Don’t stare: Staring at screens for too long can cause eyestrain and tension headaches and make you less productive.

Take occasional breaks from screens.


Stay hydrated to keep your body and mind state balanced!

Protect yourself from in- fections.

Wash your hands after using office equipment that doesn’t belong to you, and do not drink from un- washed glasses used by oth- ers.

Use a face mask and hand sanitizer around sick coworkers.
(Source: adapted from- www.lifehack.org/912887/healthy-at-work) Page 10 ON DE PLAYGROUND Volu me 5, Issue 1 Ingredients • 2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 cups sweet potatoes (preferably the white sweet potatoes) (eq: 2 sweet potatoes) • 3/4 cup grated coconut (eq: 1/2 coconut) • 1/2 cup grated pumpkin (eq: 1/4 (pumpkin) • 1/2 cup water (may need more if the batter is too dry) • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1/3 cup raisins • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/4 tsp fresh or ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp almond essence • 1/4 tsp fresh or ground nutmeg • Banana leaves or foil paper Instructions In a bowl, mix together the • grated coconut, pumpkin, sweet potato, flour, spices, sug- ar, vanilla extract and almond essence.
Combine well.

• While mixing the base, slowly pour in the water.

them and quickly pass them over fire.

Spoon 3-4 tbsps of the batter to the centre of the leaf.

Take each side of the leaf and bring them to the centre, then take each end and bring them to the centre.

Using a string/twine, wrap it around the leaf and tie the ends to- gether—wrap tightly.

the centre of the foil paper and wrap tightly.

• Place conkie into a large pot of boiling water and cover • Boil for 45-minutes to 1 hour.
If you are wrapping with • fresh banana leaves, wash If you are using foil to • wrap the conkies, spoon 3-4 spoonfuls of the batter to Source: www.tasteefulrecipes.com/traditional- caribbean-conikies-in-banana-leaf/ Volu me 5, Issue 1 ON DE PLAYGROUND Pa ge 11 JOKE Four men are in the hospital waiting room be- cause their wives are having babies.

A nurse ap- proaches the first guy and says, “Congratulations!

You're the father of twins.” “That's odd,” answers the man.
“I work for the ‘Minnesota Twins’ team!” A nurse then yells to the second man, “Congratulations!

You're the father of triplets!” “That's weird,” answers the second man.

“I work for the 3M company!” A nurse goes up to the third man saying, “Congratulations!

You're the father of quadruplets."

“That's strange,” he an- swers.

“I work for the Four Seasons hotel!” The last man begins groaning and banging his head against the wall.

“What's wrong?” the others ask.


“I work for 7 Up!” Instructions • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a loaf pan with baking spray; set aside In another bowl, whisk the following ingredients: • brown sugar/granulated sugar, honey, browning, molasses, vanilla, melted butter, Guinness and egg.

In other bowl, combine flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice and salt.

Lightly mix.

• Then throw in the dried fruits.


• Combine wet and dry ingredients until thoroughly blended • Scrape down sides • Pour mixture into prepare loaf pan, add cherries on top if desired -bake for about 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean • Let cool before slicing.

JAMAICAN EASTER SPICED BUN RECIPE Ingredients • ▢¼ cup brown sugar • ▢¼ cup granulated sugar • ▢¼ cup honey • ▢1 teaspoon browning.
• ▢½ tablespoon molasses • ▢1 teaspoon vanilla extract • ▢4 tablespoons melted butter • ▢1 cup Guinness Stout • ▢1 egg • ▢1 cup dried fruits (cherries, raisin) • ▢2 cups all purpose flour • ▢2 teaspoons baking powder • ▢½ teaspoon salt • ▢1/2 tablespoon cinnamon • ▢2 1/2 teaspoon spice combination (nutmeg {3/4 teaspoon}, cinnamon {1 teaspoon} and {3/4 tea- spoon} all spice) • ▢1 cup cherries (optional to top bun) Source: www.africanbites.com/jamaican-easter-spice-bun/ UPCOMING April 1st - 30th - Human Services Awareness Month May 8th (- June 19th) - Family Month May 31st - Centenarians’ Day May 15th - International Family Day & Church Service June 1st - 30th - National Child Month May 27th - Family Month Outdoor Movie Night June 15th - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day The Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs is dedicated to serving vulnerable popula- tions through advocacy, education, empowerment and enhancement of individuals, families and communities through evidence-based and customer-oriented programmes that promote equity, growth and development, regardless of race and culture.
CONTACT: The Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs Victoria Road Basseterre St. Kitts Telephone number: (869) 467-1275/ Fax number: (869) 466-1552 Email: mosdga@gov.kn Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MCDGASS Website: www.socialdevelopment.gov.kn Youtube: MSDGA Instagram: msdga_skn Departments (Please note changes to some extension numbers) Administration - 467-1020 Community Development & Social Services - 467-2675/762-5539 Probation & Child Protection Services (PCPS) - 467-1311 (PCPS hotline: 662-6833) Policy, Planning and Projects Unit (PPPU) - 467-1370 Gender Affairs - 467-1223 (Domestic violence hotline: 765-5492) Finance - 467-1154/1276 Counselling Centre - 465-5000 New Horizons Rehabilitation Centre - 467-1598/762-5624 Community Corner is a publication of the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs.
It is compiled by the Policy, Planning and Projects Unit and will be circulated quarterly to staff and other stakeholders in social services.

To contribute, please contact Ms. Jeweleen Woodley at jeweleenwoodley.govkn@gmail.com