The Ministry of Health and Social Development is seeking the public’s input on the Final Report of the Social Assistance in the [British] Virgin Islands Review. Photo: VINO/File

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said the review report is expected to guide the social assistance grant policies in the Virgin Islands to meet the needs of its diverse population in a more effective, efficient and transparent manner, using a sustainable framework. Photo: GIS/File

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said the review report is expected to guide the social assistance grant policies in the Virgin Islands to meet the needs of its diverse population in a more effective, efficient and transparent manner, using a sustainable framework.

The report’s main objective, according to a press release from Government Information Service (GIS) on June 14, 2023, is to provide an analytical and advisory support to the Government of the Virgin Islands for reforming its social assistance programming and disbursement of community development grants to individuals and Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs).

Increasing harmonisation, coordination & transparency 

The report is also aimed at increasing harmonisation, coordination and transparency of the relevant policy and governance frameworks, and strengthening their effectiveness.

In addition, the urgency of the activities was prompted by the Government’s intention to review the existing systems and practices and to formulate alternatives that would strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of the social protection policy instruments while respecting transparency and harmonisations standards as recommended by the Commission of Inquiry.

Public has a month to make input

Public comments on the document will be opened for a month and will allow residents the final opportunity to make comments, recommendations and submissions.

The documents can be accessed at the Government of the Virgin Islands website at bvi.gov.vg. The public is also urged to submit their submissions to the Ministry of Health and Social Development via email at ministryofhealth@gov.vg or through physical mail at Ministry of Health and Social Development, Vorinica’s House of Commerce, Long Bush, Tortola VG1110, British Virgin Islands.

The Social Assistance in the British Virgin Islands Review Report was development and prepared by the Social Policy Research Institute (SPRI Global) in support of UNICEF Eastern Caribbean and the Government of the Virgin Islands.

The report aligns with the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s mandate to improve the management and delivery of Government-funded grants for community-based initiatives and basic instructions for drafting legislative elements for the reform.