Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has announced that two million dollars has been secured from the Social Security Board to assist farmers and fisher folk during his statement on Social Protection and Economic Stimulation in COVID-19 on Thursday, May 28.

He said, “COVID-19 has thrown forward a number of problems such as unemployment, interruption of commerce, and threats to food security globally. As supply chains become affect, food production, especially in the areas of agriculture and fisheries, present ideal solutions to this scenario.”

Funding will be used to assist farmers in cutting access roads to farms, fencing properties as well as other means that will increase and support food production. For fisher folk, the funding will be used to purchase engines, nets and other equipment needed to help them increase their production.

“We need the food supply. We need to create the jobs…This is our opportunity to finally make farming and fishing another one of our economic pillars, while giving us the ability to feed ourselves, in case we are ever cut off from the rest of the world”, Premier Fahie said.

Interested farmers and fisher folk will have the opportunity to apply for funding beginning June 5. Application forms will be available on bvi.gov.vg.

Applications can also be collected from the District Offices on Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke; the Sister Islands Coordinator; District Representatives and Territorial At Large Representatives; and the Premier’s Office.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is now in Phase Two of the ongoing economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.