BVI Red Cross approves first 855 applicants for $$ under Assistance Programme
The public in general prefer that all international aid funds be sent to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) as they do not trust the current government.
One Non-Governmental Organisation that is trusted in the British Overseas Territory is the BVI Red Cross. The NGO has a financial assistance programme, which is being implemented along with Caritas Antilles with financial support from UKAID, British Red Cross, Caritas Antilles and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) to provide financial help to vulnerable households, which met the eligibility criteria.
The initiative is part of the “Household Assistance Programme announced in October 2017 by Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) following a Rapid Household Needs Assessment conducted by the Social Development Department after Hurricanes Irma and Maria,” according to a government press release.
Good work by BVI Red Cross
A total of 1776 households registered from October 18 to 28, 2017 and were ranked based on factors such as household income, housing damage and post-hurricane living situation. According to Government, a “priority was given to larger households; single-parent families; households with persons with disabilities or severe health issues; families with children under five and persons over the age of 65 with no support.”
Director of the BVI Red Cross, Helen E. Frett explained in the Government statement that cash-based assistance is a common practice in emergency operations around the world. “Providing financial assistance gives families the opportunity to meet the unique needs of their households; they can buy what is best for them and is most urgently needed. Every level of the economy can benefit from such assistance,” she told the Government Information Services.
Speaking exclusively to our newsroom today December 5, 2017 Ms Frett said, “none of the money came from government, it was all private sector or NGO donated.”
Beneficiaries can expect to receive payments of between $800 and $1,200 per month for up to three months depending on the household situation.
Ministry of Social Development pleased with work
At the conclusion of the verification process, the total number of households to be assisted will be 1,050, according to a government spokeswoman, Adrianna J. Soverall.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Petrona N. Davies said she is pleased that the programme is at the stage where the first payments have been processed to relieve the financial burden on families, especially during this time of the year. She hailed the effective partnership between Government and the voluntary sector and invited other donors to collaborate with the Government to help families in need.
Other NGOs on the Sister Islands of Virgin Gorda and Jost van Dyke have also being providing assistance and have come in for high praises.
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12 Responses to “BVI Red Cross approves first 855 applicants for $$ under Assistance Programme”
We will not have the politics that we have going on now or even government workers looking out for their friends and family
wake up bvi help the locals to