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Public Assistance Programme records 13% increase in beneficiaries for 2025- Health Minister

-says programme delivered ‘direct relief’ to those in need
Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said the social assistance under the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s Public Assistance Program has increased by 13 per cent since temporary measures were put in place in 2025. Photo: YouTube/HoA
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is working to modernise social assistance in the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Internet Source
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is working to modernise social assistance in the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Social assistance under the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s Public Assistance Programme increased by 13 per cent since temporary measures were put in place in 2025.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), said his ministry is working to modernise social assistance in the Virgin Islands (VI). 

“We continue to strengthen support for individuals and families who need it the most,” he said during the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

The Cabinet approved updated monthly public assistance grants, as an interim measure, on February 5, 2025, which took effect on February 28, 2025, applying to all eligible existing beneficiaries.

Over 500 beneficiaries in 2025

Since the implementation of this interim measure, over 500 recipients have benefited from these updated grants, representing a 13 per cent increase in the number of persons served and a 16 per cent increase in total programme disbursements when compared to 2024, Hon Wheatley revealed. 

“One hundred and eighty-eight elderly persons received support totalling more than five hundred and sixty-nine thousand [dollars], alongside other targeted provisions such as disability supplements, home care assistance, and medical grants.”

Hon Wheatley stated that this decision was not “an accounting exercise” but rather “direct relief”, helping beneficiaries manage basic needs during a period of rising costs. 

The Minister added that public assistance serves as a vital safety net, especially for seniors, persons with disabilities, and households facing hardships. 

9 Responses to “Public Assistance Programme records 13% increase in beneficiaries for 2025- Health Minister”

  • ... (19/01/2026, 11:41) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good Job
  • Wellsah (19/01/2026, 14:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    we need that paper dawg
  • jack (19/01/2026, 16:19) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Too much people are hurting
  • DEDE (19/01/2026, 17:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    How can one apply for assistance? Have a relative who needs assistance. Thanks.
  • Add another (19/01/2026, 21:56) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I’ve been contributing to the support of a local family for years that gets nothing from govt. The lady doesn’t complain, always says “there are others worse off” and always reminds me she and her family are blessed.
  • SDD (20/01/2026, 09:41) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Great Job to Shirma and her Team!!
  • Buussup (22/01/2026, 19:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The major takers are the imported CARICOmErs whose sons and dtrs have buried the nature of these VI , where in these Vi has there not been a murder and spilled blood in the soil by a CARICOmer or son / dtr of such.
    These VI where the yesterdays murder rate was zero.
    The curse with which they are endowed has stymied the growth of their countries,countries with food,water,minerals,gold..,,,but poverty reigns supreme along with illiteracy,few family structures ...just wildness gone wild as they roam far and near for a semblance of life in the face of resentment and disgust from host countries.


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