Minister Hamilton outlines stipulations for the new round of stimulus payout

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - MINISTER with Responsibility for the Social Sector, Eugene Hamilton has outlined how those persons whose jobs were affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic could qualify for the latest round of stimulus.
 
While speaking on the recent episode of the Government’s ‘Leadership Matters’ programme, the Minister explained that after a review of the current state of unemployment for those in the tourism sector, he sought and was granted approval for additional sums of money from Social Security to assist affected workers.
 
“As the Minister, having noted the continued state of unemployment, particularly for those engaged in the tourism sector and related entities, it became necessary to authorised an additional injection of $7 million to be made. As you would recall, it was operationally $15 million, so we increased that to $22 million.”
 
According to Hamilton, approvals were granted on Wednesday (Sept. 2) for the additional funds which would cover the current month.
 
In order to manage this round of payout, Minister Hamilton said a new set of guidelines were agreed upon and havn been implemented.  
 
“Eligible persons would be provided a grant in the amount of $1,000. Payments will begin on the 21st September 2020…A certified list of all persons confirmed to be laid off, unemployed due to COVID as of August 31st should be submitted by employers within the tourism sector and any other sector that is so affected.
 
“The list, of course, will be verified by Social Security team and the Compliance Unit. Pre-existing applicants do not need to apply, but new applicants can apply if they are so affected.
 
“The list from employers and from any new application forms should be submitted to the Social Security Board no later than the 18th of this month.”           
 
According to the Minister, payments were made under the fund that started in April and continued up until the end of August.
 
Payments of $20,344,755.59 were made as at the end of that period; with figures showing that in April a total of 8,275 persons benefited to the tune of $7.9 million.
 
In May 7,964 persons received payments to the tune $7.6 million, while in June 5,278 persons benefited $5 million.