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Social Protection Policy inadequate to help people in VI– Premier

Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley has called inadequate, the VI’s current social protection policy which he says cannot help the people of the VI. Photo: VINO/File
The Premier said legislators have mandated for officials from the Ministry of Health and Social Development which could also include the Social Security Board to consult with legislators due to challenges in the VI. Photo: VINO/File
The Premier said legislators have mandated for officials from the Ministry of Health and Social Development which could also include the Social Security Board to consult with legislators due to challenges in the VI. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has called "inadequate", the VI’s current Social Protection Policy, which he says cannot help the people.

“I see it every day in my district, we do indeed have persons struggling and we need to help those persons, and that's why very shortly, and the Members of the Opposition know this… we're going to be discussing even the Social Protection Policy in an informal meeting of the House of Assembly.”

The Premier was at the time speaking on the October 30, 2023, edition of The Big Story on JTV with host Cathy O. Richards.

“We have a social protection policy, but for many years, we have not put proper checks and balances in place to prevent abuses, and this is why our Commission of Inquiry (CoI) has to come and tell us that these things have created a problem, and not just the Commission of Inquiry, I might add, you had audit reports after audit reports where these things came up as a problem." 

Past administrations did not address problem - Premier 

“And because past administrations did not address these problems, it is left to this government to be able to solve them, but solve them we will. We have the power and executive to be able to make policies, we have the power as legislators to make laws, and that's what we have to do.”

The Premier said the policy which currently exists is inadequate and they have mandated for those in the Ministry of Health and Social Development to come and consult with the legislators due to the challenges that are taking place.

The Premier said with informal meetings planned for the future, there will be a much more robust policy created to help the people.

“But what is needed right now is a proper system to be able to evaluate those persons who need help the most and to ensure that they get it with the proper checks and balances to make sure that the system is not abused,” he said.

8 Responses to “Social Protection Policy inadequate to help people in VI– Premier”

  • one eye (01/11/2023, 12:07) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    He is right
  • Really (01/11/2023, 12:30) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    If the economy is not in a slump, so many people shouldn’t need help, is it that people are lazy and don’t want to work or is it that there are no opportunities or new opportunities where they can become gainfully employed. People I think would feel more dignified if they have jobs and opportunities where by they can support themselves rather than waiting to receive hand out!!
    • @ Really (01/11/2023, 12:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      For Christ sake, here we go again!
    • jack@$$ (01/11/2023, 13:19) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      One brush doesn't paint every wall. Some people are disabled and we're not a disabled person society.
  • Falling behind. (01/11/2023, 14:09) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    The BVI who was once the leader in the region is now behind.. This is because dishonesty and corruption.. Every caribbean country doing something to help its people, some kind of development, or relief programme. Simple thing as extending the tax exemption amt to $18,000 for those making less than $30,000 per yr, they don't have the courage to do. Or they so think they tricky and smart they will wait 6 months before election to fool the people again..People need help now!.
  • RedStorm (01/11/2023, 19:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think he should have elaborate on which of those social policies that are not working. In the COVID and Hurricane disaster only certain persons were given help, and some more than others. Each department should have a mandate of how to handle such situations when it occurs to be in a working manual.

    I call the social Development people to get help with a student who needs to get her degree, the woman told me it takes months and she is not sure I would get help for my friend. Immediately, I want to tell her some things, but I had to exercise self control because she did not understand which lane she was in. So, I leave that alone. Mr. Premier change the ones that are not working and bring awareness to those that people are unaware of.
  • True (02/11/2023, 03:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    People need jobs then they won't need help for does who want to work.
  • explain (02/11/2023, 09:02) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Last week he said the BVI economy was NOT in a slump and this week he says the opposite that BVI people are struggling, need financial help but the social protection policies are inadequate.

    Can't wait for his story next week!


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