A comprehensive review of the existing Public Assistance Programme and other crucial areas relevant to public assistance over a five-year period will be conducted. Photo: GIS

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Ms Tasha K. Bertie said the analysis will receive funding and technical support from the UNICEF Office of the Eastern Caribbean and will look at any potential opportunities that may exist to mobilise additional resources for the expansion of the Public Assistance Programme. Photo: GIS/File

Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms Tasha K. Bertie said the analysis will receive funding and technical support from the UNICEF Office of the Eastern Caribbean and will look at any potential opportunities that may exist to mobilise additional resources for the expansion of the Public Assistance Programme.

Ms Bertie in a Government Information Service (GIS) press release on July 24, 2024, said the ministry initiated an independent review of the Social Assistance Benefits and Grants Administration System in November 2022 with the assistance of Social Policy Research Institute (SPRI Global) based on the 2022 COI Report's recommendations. She said the institute’s review presented several suggestions for enhancing the Public Assistance Programme.

'Streamlined processes & clear eligibility criteria' the aim- Acting PS Bertie

The Acting PS stated that the ministry has facilitated amendments to the Public Assistance Act, which was passed in the House of Assembly in early July to pave the way for necessary changes to the programme.

"We are looking to put in place more streamlined processes, clear eligibility criteria, and improved service delivery to vulnerable persons and those struggling to meet basic living necessities,” Ms Tasha Bertie said. She added, “In light of the potential consequences of these reforms to our public assistance package, the ministry has undertaken a comprehensive economic analysis to examine how the government can support the recommended programme enhancements. The Analysis will assess the resources needed and identify data gaps to ensure the programme's long-term sustainability."

Consultants met with a wide variety of stakeholders across the public service and other entities to collect the required data and gather insights on how the programme can be improved to better serve the community.

A comprehensive review of the existing programme and other crucial areas relevant to public assistance over a five-year period will be conducted. “This thorough analysis will enable us to recognise trends, make predictions, and provide robust recommendations for the programme's future,” Ms Bertie said.

The Fiscal Space Analysis for the Virgin Islands is being conducted by the global consultancy firm Genesis Analytics, with Economist Dr Manal Shehabi and regionally-based researcher and social policy expert Ms Kendra Butler leading the review.

The consultancy will conclude in October this year.