BASSETERRE, ST. Kitts – Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says he will be bringing to Cabinet, a submission to address the important matter of increasing the birth rate in St. Kitts and Nevis.
(UNICEF Photo)“This is about supporting families, securing our future, and investing in the next generation. I am included,” Prime Minister Drew, a medical practitioner, wrote on his Facebook page.
According to the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) “Health in the Americas,” in 2000 the total population of the twin island population was 45 461 inhabitants increasing to 47,755 by 2023, a five per cent increase.
Regarding the Federation’s demographic profile, in 2023 people over 65 years of age accounted for 10.6 per cent of the total population, an increase of 2.7 percentage points compared to the year 2000.
In 2023, there were 107.3 women per 100 men and 55.1 older people (65 years or older) per 100 children under 15 years of age, as can be seen in the country’s population pyramids, distributed by age group and sex.
Considering the population between 15 and 64 years of age to be potentially active, that is being potential participants in the labour force, this group represented 70.2 per cent of the total population of the country.
Life expectancy at birth in 2023 was 72.2 years, lower than the average for the Region of the Americas and 2.4 years higher that in 2000.
The statement by Prime Minister Drew on his Facebook page has drawn mixed reviews with one person writing “the issue of our population is one that I have been advocating for some time now. We cannot grow the nation without a growing population. Its just not possible and in fact will lead to more difficulties if we don’t get it going. I believe its our greatest problem at the moment”.
However, others questioned the statement with one person writing “Is this satire or are you actually serious,” to which Prime Minister Drew responded “our birthrate is at an all time low. We need to address now. Countries are failing because of low birth rates”.
But others wrote they were waiting to see “what incentives would be offered, free pampers, formula, clothing, after hours daycare, developmental toys, special care if necessary for the first five years?”.
Another person write “while this is an important and necessary conversation for our country’s future, it is difficult to speak about increasing the birth rate without first addressing the realities faced by existing parents.
“ For years, parents have called on the government for stronger enforcement mechanisms, such as garnishing wages, to ensure consistent child support.
“If I am not mistaken, the current child support amount stands at approximately EC$75 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) per week. At a time when the cost of living has risen significantly, transportation, food, utilities, and other essentials. It is concerning that this figure has remained unchanged.”
