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'Be honest' when applying for COVID-19 relief funds - Hon Penn

-Opposition Leader assures residents that COVID-19 financial relief is on the way
Leader of the Opposition, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has given the assurance that COVID-19 financial relief is on the way for the people of the territory, even as he had questioned the legality of the US $40M grant from the Social Security Board (SSB) towards the Fahie administration economic stimulus plan. Photo: HoA/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, looks on as Social Security Board Director, Antoinette Skelton, left, and Chairman of the SSB, Ian S. Smith, centre, signs the cheque for the $40M to Government. Photo: Team of Reporters
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, looks on as Social Security Board Director, Antoinette Skelton, left, and Chairman of the SSB, Ian S. Smith, centre, signs the cheque for the $40M to Government. Photo: Team of Reporters
DUFF'S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI - Leader of the Opposition, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has given the assurance that COVID-19 financial relief is on the way for the people of the Territory, even as he had questioned the legality of the US $40M grant from the Social Security Board (SSB) towards the Fahie administration's economic stimulus plan.

Now, with access to the funds in the hands of the Government having been signed over on July 3, 2020, Hon Penn speaking at the July 7, 2020, House of Assembly (HoA) sitting said the hard work of those who made it possible will soon materialise into relief funds. 

'Hang in there' - Hon Penn 

"COVID-19 has been a very difficult period for many of us in this Territory, I know that we are working hard to get some relief to the people of this Territory and I want to say to the people of this Territory, to hang in there as we go through this very difficult time."

The check signing and presentation was done in the presence of Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1), Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, with responsibility for Social Security, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9); Financial Secretary, Glenroy A. Forbes; Social Security Board Director, Antoinette Skelton and Chairman of the SSB, Ian S. Smith, among others.

The handover of the money come after Premier Fahie had been threatening to call names of persons who have been trying to block or delay the money since it was promised to Government by Social Security Board.

'Be honest' - Hon Penn 

The $40M SSB Grant was highly criticised by the Opposition Leader as part of the $62.9M Phase 2 Economic Stimulus Plan of the VIP administration. 

However, Hon Penn said with the monies now in the Government's hands to start the distribution process, he warned those applying for relief funding to be honest with their declarations. 

"I know we should have access to the funds... to help persons within our community. We have some restrictions with that fund and I want to ask persons to be honest in their declarations so at least we can get help to as many persons as possible."

19 Responses to “'Be honest' when applying for COVID-19 relief funds - Hon Penn ”

  • mmmmm (09/07/2020, 14:39) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Whattttt be what this man actually telling people to be honest? Mmmehson boi look stop it. Leed by example. Oh sorry yah pocket full now you think you got the moral big stick. Lol
    • yess (09/07/2020, 15:49) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
      Be honest lot of island people here does lie to get more
    • Lord have mercy (09/07/2020, 15:50) Like (21) Dislike (6) Reply
      Put things in place open up the country... its ruff for businesses..big and small...its hard on people....use faith over fear..Confidence over doubt, and lets march forward...
  • one eye (09/07/2020, 14:41) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    We tire wait
    • wow (09/07/2020, 15:50) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply
      Only locals and whites should get relief funds down island don’t give them people why we should give them down islanders. Strupes
      • @SMH (09/07/2020, 16:02) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
        The people you refer to as "down island" pay taxes just the say as local and whites. When will you stop discriminating against your Caribbean brothers and sisters? if you take the time out to read the history of these islands much would be revealed to you.
        • @@smh (09/07/2020, 17:20) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
          They are not our Caribbean brothers we are not apart of the Caribbean we are just located in it we are Britain territories USVI are US territories
          • hh (10/07/2020, 07:43) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
            I never know it hard stupid ppl in this place so stop speak every day u guys make ppl lough at all u how all u just want to be american stupid bvi is a island and will always be and its caribbean u guys or island ppl to so stop fulling u all self all u sond so stupid
            • @hh (10/07/2020, 10:04) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
              If you are calling someone stupid you have to make sure you don't look stupid too. Use at least one full stop and learn to spell basic words. Stop falling for the tactics of these trolls. People like that stir up trouble and then sit back and laugh at all the chaos they caused. They like the attention.
          • pp (10/07/2020, 07:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            U can tell u have no brain just stupidety
      • Lock out the Americans (09/07/2020, 16:04) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        Americans are one set of ignorant people dont want to obey rules. They are out of control... We cant let them dictate our opening or closing of our borders we should just lock them out until they get their act together...
  • Fed Up (09/07/2020, 15:45) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    Im so fed up of this covid this and covid that... Maan they just need to just keep the borders locked forever..nonsense.. Open tomorrow or open nexr year.what difference it makes...Covid aint going no where.. U can get a case tomorrow, you can get a case next year...Just cant see the logic or common sense in having the borders lock down.....It make more sense if they want to keep carona out lock it down permanently, forever.. Not even that you can be sure will keep Carona out.....Intelligent people just aint smart, lets say, wise
  • We good (09/07/2020, 16:01) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    The Jets/, Planes are responsible for bringing virus free people to all destinations...The Cruise Ships are responsible for bringing virus free people to all destination and i am sure they take their business investment and responsibility very seriously.. Destinations are responsible for putting things in place to protect their people, So , Whats the Problem? We good. They should be no fear in opening...
  • TOWN (09/07/2020, 16:33) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    The gov take and take from us tax this tax that the min they have to give back oh boi all type of run around. Who's that money for? Who put it there? is we tax money same tax money yall take and only give back 30 oh 40 % when we retire. JUST RUN THE MONEY
  • D (09/07/2020, 17:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @@ yess shut Up and be quite what have you contribute your contribution went to the beauty salons so slung slow
  • Diaspora (09/07/2020, 19:13) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hon Marlon Penn(R8), Leader of the Opposition, are you implying that VI residents are not going to be honest? Damn! What a way to impugn the character and ethics of VI residents. You need to apologize to VI residents.
    • @Diaspora (10/07/2020, 10:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      No he does not need to apologize. Moreso, he is speaking about the applications to be made to representatives. Some persons will submit applications to up to 5 reps. It has been evidenced that persons who are most in need do not receive the assistance needed because some persons lack the moral compass to steer them from benefitting. If the appropriate systems are in place to validate claims then these occurrences are a lot less. However, some believe that the "process of accountability" solely is not as important. Therefore, it leaves plenty room for persons to submit applications to "try their luck", and oftentimes they get through. Relief assistance should never be viewed to restore you to maintain your pre disaster lifestyle. It is to aid in the provision of your basic necessities and related costs of food, shelter and clothing.
  • Blak Alucard (10/07/2020, 09:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HONESTY? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA


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