Social Development Minister pleased with increased public assistance

~~Adz:Right~~ Roadtown, Tortola - Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC has welcomed Government’s decision to offer an increase in the amount of financial support offered to persons who are eligible for public assistance.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE made the announcement during a statement delivered in the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on November 13.

Following the announcement, Honourable Penn expressed her pleasure at the initiative. “I am extremely delighted that our Premier and the Cabinet saw it fit to approve this interim measure while we await the recommendations that will come from a comprehensive social sector analysis currently underway. It is a good start as we attempt to bring public assistance grants more in line with the realities of today,” she noted.

Honourable Penn explained that [public assistance grants are administered through the Social Development Department and are designed to provide supplementary funds to persons in difficult circumstances who meet the qualifying requirements.

She reiterated that a new Public Assistance Committee has been appointed to review the policy and criteria for public assistance grants. The minister said the review will seek to ensure that the eligibility criteria are transparent and fair in order to strengthen Government’s efforts to provide social protection to the most vulnerable members of the society.

The minister stated that the Government remains committed to empowering its citizens, especially persons with disabilities, children and families in need, and the elderly, through the enhancement of their standards of living.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development endeavours to provide leadership which promotes health, social wellness and a safe environment as positive resources for maintaining healthy lifestyles. Among other things, the Ministry is responsible for safeguarding the health and social development of the Territory.