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The ‘ultimate goal’ is for Social Services to do more outreach- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley

- said lack of manpower prevents it from happening now
Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), has said his long-term vision for the Social Services Department is for it to be more visible and engaging with the public. Photo: Facebook/Vincent O. Wheatley
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- Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has said his long-term vision for the Social Services Department is for it to be more visible and engaging with the public.

The Minister’s comments to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) on September 6, 2025, come on the heels of the Public Assistance (Amendment) Act, 2024, officially coming into force on September 1, 2025.

The Act, amended in 2024, allowed for the addition of several categories for eligibility, enabling more people in the Virgin Islands (VI) to benefit.

Among these are 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 housig, and the extension of aid to non-VIslanders and non-Belongers. 

I want more outreach 

“What I want to see also is more outreach from Social Development,” Hon Wheatley told our News Centre. 

He did, however, acknowledge that it is not a possibility at the moment due to a lack of manpower, but insisted that this is the “ultimate goal” 

The Social Services Department, Hon Wheatley continued, needs to go out into the public to seek feedback from the community. 

“Find out who needs help, who might not be aware of the opportunity to get assistance. That’s a more long-term goal I’d like to see happen.” 

See link to related story 

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/new-public-assistance-act-allows-for-assistance-in-a-timely-manner-hon-vincent-o-wheatley

5 Responses to “The ‘ultimate goal’ is for Social Services to do more outreach- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley ”

  • Yo (08/09/2025, 11:14) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    outreach more to yall wealthy family friends and close circle and those who have connections? or reaching out to those really in need? #grants
  • VG (08/09/2025, 12:33) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please build the old people home, A rehab for the Mentally challenged and disable persons. We are tired of no vasion.
    Ministers get to work take off you all suit.
  • Yo (08/09/2025, 12:45) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    He has the right intention. He's done the most to help every one equally so far.
  • Clean clothes (08/09/2025, 12:50) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Get those washers at the hospital fixed and paint the laundry room. Mr health minister.
  • FIRE (08/09/2025, 18:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can't wait to vote against Vip with that derelict vehicle tax they implement. Fire for Vip and more tax against the people.


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