Governor Daniel Pruce in the Speech from the Throne on January 7, 2025, said the Ministry of Health and Social Development has proposed increasing the public assistance grants amount. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The Public Assistance (Amendment) Act, 2024 was assented to in December 2024 by Governor Daniel Pruce. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

This was announced by Governor Daniel Pruce in the Speech from the Throne on January 7, 2025, commencing the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA).

Amended act recently assented to

In December 2024, it was announced that the Public Assistance (Amendment) Act, 2024 was assented to by Governor Pruce, modernising the 2013 legislation to provide more inclusive and effective support.

It also broadens the range of support available by introducing both financial and non-financial forms of assistance.

In addition to non-financial support, the 2024 Amendment establishes shock response grants for disaster recovery and hardship allowances to address unexpected crises, such as urgent medical care, temporary housing, and support for individuals fleeing domestic abuse. The amendment also introduces basic income grants, which include both long-term and short-term grants for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers, ensuring a consistent safety net for those unable to sustain themselves due to age, health conditions, or caregiving responsibilities.

UNICEF & AG’s Chambers working on needed regulations- Governor Pruce

While the recently assented act aims to bring much-needed improvements, Governor Pruce said there are provisions allowing for several prescribed areas to be defined through regulations.

“These include income thresholds for eligibility, any other forms of emergency assistance that may be considered necessary for persons with an urgent financial need, and other critical areas which must be clearly defined for the benefit of the end users,” he said.

The governor revealed that work on these regulations is ongoing with the support of a UNICEF legal expert and the Attorney General’s Chambers. This should be finalised in early 2025, he added.

“In the interim, the Ministry proposes increasing the Public Assistance Grant amounts to provide a more substantial and immediate relief to vulnerable persons in the community, while the legislative process is completed,” Governor Pruce stated.