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

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.