The Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) is moving to provide additional income support to citizens, given shortfalls in the current system and segments of the population unable to benefit from stimulus programmes. Photo: Internet Source

According to Hon Carvin Malone, 'while this unemployment programme provides redress for many persons, we recognise that there is still a segment of the working population whose needs will go unmet by this programme.' Photo: GIS/File

This was announced by Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) during an address yesterday Tuesday, September 23, 2020, in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly (HoA) at Duff’s Bottom, Tortola.

Shortfalls in current programme

According to the Health Minister, while there is an unemployment programme to provide redress for many persons, his Ministry recognises there is still a segment of the working population whose needs will go unmet.

He said to help meet the coverage gap, an Income Support Programme has been designed to be administered by the Social Development Department and is awaiting formal approval.

The Minister said some $1M has earmarked for this programme.

Hon Malone also noted that in designing the new support programme, lessons learned from the previously implemented Household Assistance Programme, in collaboration with the BVI Red Cross following the 2017 hurricanes, have been considered.

“Mr Speaker, this is just to illustrate some of the ways in which your Government has taken a balanced and comprehensive approach in its pandemic response throughout various sectors.”

Economic Stimulus

The new support comes following the Government’s rollout of a $62.9M Economic Stimulus Plan in March, 2020, aimed at assisting both businesses and individuals.

The Health Minister reminded that while no one can predict how long the economic disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic would last, he said the resources available to the Territory remain limited and therefore needs to be managed carefully.