Non-Belongers now eligible for assistance under amended Public Assistance Act
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said the act, though amended last year, was not brought into force because of regulations that were needed to be done
“Those regulations [were issued] about two weeks ago, along with two orders,” he said on the Virgin Islands Voice on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
According to the Minister, these orders allowed for the addition of categories for assistance.
“A lot of persons wanted assistance with X, Y, Z, [and] with the Social Development, they were told it doesn’t cover mortgage and it doesn't cover rent, and it doesn't cover these things. So, these key areas were added to the list of areas you can get assistance from.”
New categories for assistance
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Ms Tasha K. Bertie, said while there were vouchers and grants available for some areas, the eligibility criteria were also expanded.
Some of the new categories include assistance for youth aged 18 to 23 who were in the care of Social Development, dependent children of incarcerated persons, former incarcerated individuals who have been released and need assistance to get on their feet, repartriation of remains, assistance for medical care overseas, assistance for victims of domestic violence, grants for emergency or disaster relief, child care support, temporary housing, and repairs due to crisis.
“We want to be able to respond to the immediate needs of the persons in the communities, and hence the reason and the need that we tried to expand our services to really address those areas,” Ms Bertie explained.
Another addition is the extension of assistance to non-BVIslanders and non-Belongers.
The Permanent Secretary revealed that before amendments were made, only BVIslanders and Belongers were allowed assistance under the Public Assistance Act.
“We’ve expanded the Social Protection Programme. It’s now including even residents and persons who, once they’re within that threshold limit, would be able to access that assistance as well.”
A more efficient system
Meanwhile, Hon Whealtey said a more efficient system is also being built.
“Instead of waiting three or four weeks to do certain things, you can have it a lot quicker.”
The Ministry, he said, is trying to implement a quick emergency fund.
“If I come to tell you I’m hungry now, why do I get a story about tomorrow or next week? I need some relief immediately. We’re trying to figure out the best way because, on top of all, we must be accountable for all the money and all the help that we give. Because if we’re audited, we want to make sure every single thing is above board.”
The challenge, according to Hon Wheatley, has been balancing quickness and efficiency with accountability.
“That has been a challenge for us.”
See link to previous stories
https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/public-assistance-amendment-bill-2024-passed-relief-is-on-the-way-01
https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/throne-speech-public-assistance-grants-increase-proposed
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7 Responses to “Non-Belongers now eligible for assistance under amended Public Assistance Act”
Too much of our limit meager finance are being use randomly, not being prioritizedly spent orderly, and efficiently in my honest opinion, for the betterment of the people of the B.V.I daily minimum needs.
Love cares for neighbors heartily. Love shares the spoil (treasure cash) fairly, and unselfishly. Love bears others burden, when able to, gracefully, not wastefully, not arrogantly nor greedily.
Blessings to all, hopefully.