VI asks UK for grant to assist persons unemployed by COVID-19
Most of these unemployed persons are expected to come from the private sector as some businesses have had to lay off workers or have been unable to pay employees during the shutdown of the economy to mitigate the introduction and spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), in a statement to the Territory on Saturday, March 28, 2020, assured that Government is using this time to work on the pressing issues that are of concern to the people.
“We are working on our economic strategy and are using different avenues of revenue streams for our people.”
Unemployed should be paid at least a minimum wage
He added that the Virgin Islands is now seeking a grant from the ‘Mother Country’, the United Kingdom, to help mitigate the effects of the economic fallout.
“In past announcements you would have heard that the United Kingdom is willing to help the Overseas Territories, known as OTs. I have put forward to the Governor that as an OT the BVI is requesting that all of our unemployed as a result of COVID-19 at for a certain period be paid at least a minimum wage from a grant from the United Kingdom.”
The premier did not disclose the amount being requested or the amount of persons that may be eligible to benefit from the grant being requested.
“As a Government, we trust that the Governor is able to assist BVI with accessing these funds to match what the BVI is making available to its unemployed population as a result of COVID-19.”
According to Premier Fahie, the objectives are to ensure that the monies that come from the UK directly reach and touch and affect the lives of the people positively, and will not be lost through all kind of technical bureaucracy.
“The United Kingdom can rest assured that all monies granted to the Government for this initiative will be put in an accountable and transparent system for the people of the BVI to benefit from directly.”
US Virgin islanders to get $1200 directly
Over in neighbouring US Virgin Islands, the people of that Territory will receive some $1,200 directly through income tax rebates, with the money arriving in a matter of weeks, following Washington’s $2 trillion coronavirus relief package that will benefit all Americans.
Under the stimulus plan signed by President Donald J. Trump on Friday, March 27, 2020, most US adults are to receive a $1,200 coronavirus aid payment.
For married couples filing taxes jointly, the payment is $2,400. Payments phase out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes over $75,000 ($150,000 for couples). Anyone making over $99,000 would not get a payment ($198,000 for couples).
Small and large businesses and local government can also expect federal assistance help staying afloat amid the COVID-19 outbreak, said USVI Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett.
Additionally, there is a $500 allotment per child under 17.
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22 Responses to “VI asks UK for grant to assist persons unemployed by COVID-19”
These leaders think they smart but is not them alone went to primary school. We out here use common sense. We don't have to have MBA PHD or DOC.
In the meantime, try to learn personal responsibility . Its never too late.
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Allyo better start suckin salt.
If they now want that loan money with UK giuarantee,,ha,thngs tanked since that offer. The World economy mash up.