State of economy affecting NDP’s back to school programme – Eustace

The current state of the economy of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is having a negative impact on the back to school programme of the New Democratic Party (NDP).

Describing the programme as one that is dear to his heart, Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace said yesterday that this year is the worst it has been for the 18 years he has been in Parliament.{{more}}

“People are not in a position to make contributions. I’m not seeing anywhere near the same number of books being brought to the headquarters. It is like if the programme is on go-slow.”

He noted that persons who usually make generous contributions yearly cannot make the same contribution because of the country’s economic state.

“Or they make it in such reduced numbers that it makes it very hard to run the programme at a time when people really need it,” the party president said.

Eustace gave the example of a friend and businessman who he says usually contributes $5,000 annually to the programme. He disclosed, however, that this year, the businessman was only able to donate $500, because of his failing business.

“His business is doing badly because the economy of SVG is doing badly. Just imagine from $5,000 to $500, one tenth of what he would normally give.

“Generally we have a big fall-off in the number of persons who provide any significant contributions,” Eustace added. He pointed out that persons who would normally get assistance yearly would not be able to receive and those who do receive will get much smaller amounts.

Eustace also stated that in the past, tailors would make school uniforms and send to the party’s office as a contribution; this year however, this has not happened.

Additionally, he noted that parents who usually donate books have had to resort to selling these books, just to be able to buy books for their children for the coming school year.

However, the party leader is not deterred and stated that he will still try to assist in whatever way possible with the contributions that they are given.

“…I know a lot of children, a lot of parents are going to be disappointed come September.”

Eustace appealed to the public and local businesses to assist in whatever way they could. (CM)