The New Democratic Party government has allocated EC$3 million and provided for an additional 2,000 people to work in the annual Christmas road-cleaning programme, which begins on Monday.
BRAGSA said in a statement on Friday that the programme begins on Monday and will run for six days through Dec. 15, to ensure that workers are paid before Christmas.
The Cabinet approved this year’s programme through Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Physical Planning, Nigel Stephenson.
BRAGSA, which is managing the programme, said it will employ over 7,000 Vincentians across the country, providing for the 5,000 people who worked in the programme in August and 2,000 new workers.
“This year’s programme is shorter than the usual eight days due to the delayed start. The revised timeline ensures that all workers can be paid before Christmas, in keeping with the spirit and purpose of this national undertaking,” BRAGSA said.
Each worker will receive a take-home pay of EC$300, with no deductions and BRAGSA will make all required NIS contributions separately, ensuring workers receive the full amount, the statement said.
“All persons 18 years and older who participated in the last road-cleaning programme in August, and are fit and willing to work, are invited to report for duty on Monday.
“In addition, 2,000 new workers — distributed across the 15 constituencies — will be engaged this year to provide opportunities for persons who have not participated in past programmes.”
BRAGSA said that safety remains a top priority, adding that workers using weed eaters (trimmers/weed wackers) must inform the BRAGSA officer in their area so that a safety shield can be issued.
“BRAGSA officers will strictly enforce the use of these shields to protect both workers and road users,” the statement said and urged motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution when travelling through areas where cleaning activities are underway.
“The Christmas road cleaning programme is an annual tradition that enhances the nation’s environment while providing short-term employment and income support to thousands of citizens during the holiday season,” BRAGSA said.