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New Public Assistance Act allows for assistance in a ‘timely manner’- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley

-Act came into force on September 1, 2025
Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R7), is encouraging persons in need to apply for assistance now that the Public Assistance (Amendment) Act, 2024, has come into force. Photo: Facebook
The Public Assistance (Amendment) Act, 2024, came into force on September 1, 2025. Photo: GIS
The Public Assistance (Amendment) Act, 2024, came into force on September 1, 2025. Photo: GIS
The Public Assistance (Amendment) Act, 2024, introduces important reforms designed to improve the efficiency, fairness, and accessibility of the Public Assistance Programme. Photo: GIS
The Public Assistance (Amendment) Act, 2024, introduces important reforms designed to improve the efficiency, fairness, and accessibility of the Public Assistance Programme. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Now that the Public Assistance (Amendment) Act, 2024, has officially come into force, Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R7), is encouraging persons in need to apply.

The Act came into effect on September 1, 2025, strengthening the legal framework for delivering social support to the most vulnerable. 

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) today, Saturday, September 6, 2025, Hon Wheatley expressed his contentment with the Act finally coming into force. 

“This Act is really designed to bring relief to persons who may be facing financial challenges. It is designed to expand areas we give assistance in and also to expand on the amount of money we can give to persons…and also to make the process more efficient. So I’m excited about this Public Assistance Act coming into force.”

Assistance in a timely manner

The process for accessing assistance has been simplified, and the Minister said he is looking forward to receiving the public’s feedback on the process. 

The Act introduces important reforms designed to improve the efficiency, fairness, and accessibility of the Public Assistance Programme.

Hon also encouraged those who may have been hesitant to apply for assistance in the past due to the long process to now seek assistance in “a timely manner”, adding, “That’s my hope.”

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Ms Tasha K. Bertie, in a September 3, 2025, press release, said the reforms improve the client experience.

“With these amendments, we are moving toward a more streamlined, people-centred system…Applicants will benefit from clearer processes, stronger safeguards, and greater support as they navigate the programme. Our aim is to build a safety net that is both compassionate and effective.” 

According to Ms Bertie, the ministry will continue to update the public on the implementation of the new measures and provide guidance on how to access assistance under the revised framework, including guidance on eligibility thresholds, categories of support and the appeals process. 

14 Responses to “New Public Assistance Act allows for assistance in a ‘timely manner’- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley”

  • … (06/09/2025, 12:15) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Pure talk
  • waste ah time (06/09/2025, 13:10) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    More red tape
  • look (06/09/2025, 14:23) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Aryo think we stupid. You all hold on to a lot of things to use as election money and give outs but it will not work this time.
  • NB (06/09/2025, 15:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    May I mace the definition of ‘Timely manner’ please?
  • good (06/09/2025, 15:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Read the act. It is good.
  • Real (06/09/2025, 16:34) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    So ayo want the elderly to use computers to get it sorted
  • local boy (06/09/2025, 16:39) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Measley or pittance that Minister and de rest should be ashamed of themselves
  • I’m fed up (06/09/2025, 19:23) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    I work hard and stay on top of my taxes, yet it’s frustrating to see people who don’t contribute benefiting from my effort. Everyone needs to take responsibility—stop having children with waste men and waste women, and stop chasing trends with money they don’t actually have.
  • THE EXORCIST (06/09/2025, 19:56) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    IN DAH HOUSE
  • Native Tongue (06/09/2025, 21:15) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sick of seeing this underperforming somebody in the news.
  • @ native tongue (06/09/2025, 22:26) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    That hypocrite is not alone and they are just exercising their entitlement " WE FRON HAE " what covid missed this chicken hawk will clean up the rest / CSC got the million dollar smile and home boi got the predator's grin ???? where he blow on you and put you to sleep before devouring you.
  • WATCH OUT (06/09/2025, 22:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    FOR THE SIDE EFFECTS , AKA DOUBLE TAX / THIS TIME HE WON'T USE MONEY GRAM / THE DREW IS MISSING IN ACTION , SO THIS IS HIS SOLO RUN , CALLED ( MONEY GRAB )
  • BS (07/09/2025, 09:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just another way for them to line their freaking pockets. The whole bunch of them are useless. The have no plan, just a bunch of waste talk. Brainless greedy people giving them advice on nothing Quality. From the 1st to the 9th are all dumb. Government and opposition useless. Look at the state of our infrastructure, our tourism product, our economy sucks! Thank God out business men and women maneuver their products and Financials to survive... well at least the honest ones. Insurance killing us, banks robbing us, food products OMG. Where is the consumer act promised to be looked at and implemented. All our politicians are useless!!!!
  • hey (07/09/2025, 09:48) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Does the Venezuela situation make the Andrew Fahie saga any clearer....its all about regime change....y'all better wake up fast. Yes to UK yes to more slavery.


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