Gov't begins transition of public grants to Social Development Dept
The Minister made the announcement during a press conference this morning, June 27, 2022, on the transition of Government Assistance Grants to the Social Development Department, which he said will reduce the likelihood of abuse and fraud in the programme.
The Minister said that the Unity Government has committed to transitioning all government assistance grants to the Social Development Department by the end of June 2022, after the CoI found that as a result of fund disbursement by other ministries and offices resulted in abuse of the system.
Three months transition period begins July 2022
“Today I am pleased to announce that Cabinet has decided on the following transitional arrangements… For monthly grant recipients referred from the House of Assembly, a three-month transition grant will be implemented by the Social Development Department from July to September 2022,” he said.
Hon Penn said that grants will only be paid to individuals who had previously been approved for monthly and bi-monthly assistant grants.
“During the three-month transition period, each grant recipient will be assessed to determine if they will be eligible for enrolment into the public assistance programme,” he added.
He said for persons who do not qualify for public assistance, benefit payment will stop at the end of September; however, if any instance of fraud or deception is discovered during the assessment period, grant payments will cease immediately, and steps taken to recover monies.
Public assistant committee will continue to consider applications - Hon Penn
“Alongside the transitional arrangement, the public assistant committee continues to consider applications for various types of short, medium, and long-term grants and make referrals to employment and livelihood support services,” he added.
He said the Public Assistance Act of 2013, requires that in addition to establishing financial need, applicants must be a Belonger or holder or a certificate of residents, or married to a belonger and living together with that person in the Virgin Islands or responsible for the care of a dependent person who is a belonger or resident.
He said priority will also be given to vulnerable children, persons over 65, unemployed persons, and persons with disabilities.
According to the Minister, emergency assistance will also be provided to other poor and vulnerable households to meet basic needs in special circumstances.
Some 362 persons are currently receiving grants through HoA, however, they will be transitioned to the Social Development Department who will have sole responsibility for the grants from July 1, 2022.
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8 Responses to “Gov't begins transition of public grants to Social Development Dept”
You are the Minister of health. Tell us about healthcare etc. Development and suchlike. His personal word carries more weight than yours, Hon. Marlon Penn.
Hon. Dr. Natalio Sajande Wheatley is the Premier of the local governing body leader under the oversight of the UK's government. Are you his spokesman? Are you Minister of finance? Can you approved how much, and who to, and where finances will be spent? No.
My honest suspicion is that the Premier is using you as a shield. Don't you forget the put together unity government was given a limited time to do the expection of the CoI recommdations under the oversight of our current Governor.
It is the Premier direct responsibility to fulfill the promises on the above topic to us, not you, because only a few weeks ago, you were opposition leader.
The former VIP government is no more. The program that have spoke, and are promising to fulfill, you have signatory power, financially speaking to brink it to fruition.
Promises, promises, promises.
Have you noticed notice the last five letters the word promises, (Mises)
In my honest opinion, we need some new leaders as soon as possible, whose mine is set on better governance for all of our country people, and visitors too. I am not buying into this. A half fish is not a fish
I have no personal hate against anyone, but I strongly disagree against all unfair behaviour the disrespecting of our (the people) rights, especially in reference to our finances, and social welbeing ongoing in the BVI.
They tell you what you want hear, but they give to who they want to give to. Got it?
Under an Communist Regime even though the Citizens can Entertain Thoughts of Disdain and Discontent freedom of Speech is not allowed.... We have Now Discredited The Incumbents and Claiming those Seeking
Office are not Perfect.. So Why are We calling for New Elections.. Are We the Voting Public not being Hypocrites as Well... In Demanding to be Ruled by an Perfect (GOD) WHEN WE OURSELVES ARE NOT PERFECT