ASPIRE Programme Gains Support from Premier

Programme Aimed at Financial Education and Savings

During his monthly press conference on Thursday, September 26, Premier Brantley expressed his support for the ASPIRE programme, stating that it has the potential to be transformative for the society if implemented properly.

“I think that this ASPIRE programme is revolutionary and can be transformative for our society if done right,” the Premier said. “Nobody else, as far as I’m aware, in the region has done it. It can really create the next generation of our people who are really experts in terms of money and money management, and that is going to be critical if we are going to build wealth in our nation, if we are to create wealth, keep wealth, generate wealth and transfer wealth to the next generation… I wish this programme success.”

Briefing on the Programme

Premier Brantley, along with his NIA Cabinet colleagues, was briefed on the ASPIRE programme on Wednesday, September 25, by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Marcus Natta, Chairperson of the ASPIRE Task Force, and Ms. Janesha Daniel, Audit Manager at the Nevis Inland Revenue Department and member of the Task Force.

Programme Details

The ASPIRE programme is intended to be a financial education and savings programme for St. Kitts and Nevis citizens between the ages 5 and 18, residing in the Federation, and enrolled in school/home school. It aims to inculcate financial literacy in the population from a young age to encourage fiscal responsibility and engender wealth generation in the populace.

It is estimated that between 10,000 and 11,000 young persons fit into the 5 to 18 year-old demographic. Dr. Natta revealed that the programme has already received more than 1000 applications, with just over 200 coming from Nevis.

Encouraging Participation

Premier Brantley encouraged persons to apply to the programme in order for their children to benefit from the initiative, which is being fully funded by the Federal Government.

“All the parents in Nevis I’m appealing to you, if you have your children between 5 and 18 that satisfy the criteria go onto the website and sign up your children for this programme,” the Premier said. “I’m inviting persons to go to https://portal.aspire.gov.kn/ for more information and to sign up.”

Programme Benefits

Under the ASPIRE programme, children who meet the age, nationality, and residency requirements will be allocated a $500 savings account at the St. Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank, along with $500 worth of shares in government-owned entities. Parents and guardians will not be permitted to withdraw those funds until the period of maturity arrives or when the child turns 18 years old, however funds can be added to said accounts.

Concluding Remarks

The ASPIRE programme has the potential to be a game-changer for the financial education and savings of St. Kitts and Nevis children. With the support of the Premier and the funding of the Federal Government, it is hoped that this programme will be a great success and benefit the island’s youth for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the ASPIRE programme?
A: ASPIRE is a financial education and savings programme aimed at St. Kitts and Nevis citizens between the ages 5 and 18.

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the programme?
A: Children between the ages 5 and 18, residing in the Federation, and enrolled in school/home school are eligible.

Q: How do parents apply for the programme?
A: Parents can go to https://portal.aspire.gov.kn/ for more information and to sign up.

Q: What benefits do children receive from the programme?
A: Children receive a $500 savings account at the St. Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank, along with $500 worth of shares in government-owned entities.