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Hon Penn calls for 2nd round of COVID stimulus $$

- proposes ‘Stimulus 2.0’ be taken from Gov’t reserves, budget or SSB
Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has called for a second round of business stimulus grants which he says will be directed to the tourism industry. Photo: Internet Source
While the Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn had previously criticised the Fahie administration use of grant funding from the Social Security Board (SSB), the new proposal also suggests that money could be taken from the same Board. Photo: Facebook/File
While the Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn had previously criticised the Fahie administration use of grant funding from the Social Security Board (SSB), the new proposal also suggests that money could be taken from the same Board. Photo: Facebook/File
The Economic Stimulus Plan of the Andrew A. Fahie Government in response to COVID-19 had received an injection of a $40M grant from the Social Security Board (SSB), which was criticised by the Opposition Leader. Photo: VINO/File
The Economic Stimulus Plan of the Andrew A. Fahie Government in response to COVID-19 had received an injection of a $40M grant from the Social Security Board (SSB), which was criticised by the Opposition Leader. Photo: VINO/File
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI – Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has called for a second round of business stimulus grants, which he says should be directed to the tourism industry.

The Opposition Leader made the calls in a statement delivered last evening, February 22, 2021, as part of an address to the nation.

Penn previously criticized SSB funding

While the Opposition Leader has previously criticised the Fahie administration's use of grant funding from the Social Security Board (SSB), the new proposal also suggests that money could be taken from the same SSB.

“It is no secret that the tourism sector is under serious strain, with a number of properties either closing or operating at minimal capacity. Just a few weeks ago, we learned that Quito’s made the difficult decision to halt the reopening of its newly completed facility. Top of the Baths has also closed, and there are others who are contemplating the same,” he said. 

As such, Hon Penn lamented that the economic challenges coupled with the delays in the re-opening of seaports, mean that many in our community are hurting.

Stimulus 2.0

Calling the plan “Stimulus 2.0,” Hon Penn said the support could come from Government’s reserve funds, which can include budget reprioritisation to free monies already allocated.

“If requesting financing from the Social Security Board, a loan with fixed repayment dates and not a “grant” should be negotiated, and this is only after publishing a feasibility status report of the SSB,” he said.

Sound criteria for distribution – Hon Penn

According to the Opposition Leader, the ‘Stimulus 2.0’ will then be distributed based on sound criteria for getting help to those most in need of assistance.

“We must learn from the execution challenges of the first stimulus package and put remedies in place to address those challenges, especially the gross delay in getting the stimulus money into the hands of those who need it most,” he said, while urging the Fahie administration to support the plan.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) had announced a $62.9M Phase 2 Economic Stimulus Plan on May 28, 2020. The Economic Stimulus Plan in response to COVID-19 had received an injection of a $40M grant from the Social Security Board (SSB), which was criticised by the Opposition Leader.

13 Responses to “Hon Penn calls for 2nd round of COVID stimulus $$ ”

  • rattie (23/02/2021, 14:23) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well sah
  • miney (23/02/2021, 14:58) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply

    PENN YOU IS A @#% OR WAT WE CANNOT TAKE NO MORE MONEY FOR COVIT PEOPLE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY MONEY YOU GOOD IN YOUR HEAD WE DO NOT PRINT MONEY MONEY HAS TO BE THERE TO PAY PEOPLE YOU NEED TO GO AND TAKE A HIKE FROM TALKING EXTREME SH** WHAT ****DID WITH THE MONEY FOR THE SEWRAGE DID IT JUST DISAPPEAR YOU BETTER GO CHECK ON THAT BECAUSE IT WILL SOON RAISE ITS HEAD PERSON WHO WENT TO YOU FOR HELP DID NOT GET A CENT BUT **** GIVE BIG MONEY TO SOME BOY YOU NRRD A TRSEARCH TIME WILL COME HOPE *** DID NOT INVEST IT IN FLORIDA OR ON THE HILL

  • Trump (23/02/2021, 16:03) Like (28) Dislike (3) Reply
    Give everybody 1500 dollars....case closed!
  • how? (23/02/2021, 19:36) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Is it for trellis bay market?
  • Luton (23/02/2021, 19:57) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    All of you get $300 000. Dollars. Where the money go. We fill out so much form. And no help. What gose around come s around.
  • Agree (23/02/2021, 20:09) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    They got enough money from social security to do it... They need to do it...People are still hurting in the industry 1or 2 days work a week,, half salary for more hours,,,,We need that other stimulus
  • jokers (23/02/2021, 20:49) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    PENN CANT GET NO MORE MONEY TILL YOU SAY OUT LOUD TO THE PREMIER AND THE GOVERNMENT THANK YOU GREAT JOB!!!!
  • Laid off mum (23/02/2021, 21:16) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can I get some from the first set first please.
  • still waiting (24/02/2021, 09:55) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Still waiting for the first round .....
  • Wait (24/02/2021, 11:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    it had a first one????
  • Dancing in the sunshine (25/02/2021, 07:38) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Sometimes I wonder if Hon. Penn is in his sound mind. On one hand he is calling on the Premier to state the Position of the economy. This is a cheap political gimmick. I would have thought that Hon Penn would have suggested for the population to empower themselves to be more self reliant and make a positive contribution towards the development of the territory. The country is moving ahead and Hon. Penn and his NDP are fast asleep.
  • Wow Wow Wow (25/02/2021, 10:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is still companies who have not received the 1st... WHEN THEY WILL GET THE SECOND ONE? THIS IS RIDICULOUS TO THE MAXIMUM!!! WHAT CAN BE THE HOLD UP WITH THE REMAINDER OF THE 1ST SET?
  • SuppaCop (01/03/2021, 19:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I feel really sorry for the companies that have not yet received their first-round check. I think it is a little early for the second round. By August, we could talk if those from the first round get theirs. The second round of stimulus checks is definitely needed. Just finish the task at hand. Then we could try to voice our concern towards the second round of stimulus checks. B.V.I. Full of money, Don`t let anybody fool you. We good out here compared to other parts of the world. Stay blessed.


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