Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew delivered a comprehensive update on the ASPIRE Programme St. Kitts and Nevis during the latest sitting of the National Assembly, highlighting its expanding role in advancing financial literacy among young people. The statement followed the successful national observance of ASPIRE Day on 14th May, which saw financial professionals engaging students in schools across the Federation.
ASPIRE Day served as a national campaign to boost youth financial awareness. “Our ASPIRE programme… was considered ASPIRE Day, a financial awareness day, where we had persons who are in the financial field go to the schools across St. Kitts,” Dr. Drew explained. He thanked Cabinet Secretary Dr. Marcus Natta and the committee spearheading the initiative for their leadership in this innovative effort.
The Prime Minister also recounted his own visit to Cayon High School, where he discussed savings, investments, and the power of early financial planning with students. “This programme is a revolutionary programme… setting the foundation for a better future for our young people,” he stated.
A central feature of the ASPIRE Programme is a government-provided grant of EC $1,000.00 for each eligible child—split between a $500 savings deposit and $500 in shares from local companies. The aim is to build financial assets and foster long-term financial growth for the next generation. Dr. Drew urged parents to support the programme by contributing to their children’s accounts wherever possible.
Dr. Drew emphasised that the programme is also about equity. “This is a paradigm shift… to eliminate pockets of poverty,” he said, highlighting that the initiative ensures no child is left behind—even if their guardians cannot open bank accounts or invest on their behalf.
In a major new development, the Prime Minister announced the launch of a formal financial education curriculum, starting in September 2025. This age-appropriate curriculum is currently being tested with input from teachers, and it aims to establish financial literacy as a core part of national education.
“The education will be delivered in a formal way so it can be assimilated,” Dr. Drew explained, stressing that trained educators will lead the effort to ensure consistent and effective teaching.
The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation to his Cabinet colleagues and committee partners, including representatives from the credit union, banking institutions, and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. He praised their collective efforts in making the ASPIRE initiative a reality.
The ASPIRE Programme reflects the government’s deep commitment to fostering financial resilience and inclusive economic growth. As implementation continues, it is expected to empower generations of young Kittitians and Nevisians with the tools to manage money wisely and invest in their futures.
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