The Ministry of Health and Social Development has commenced a Fiscal Space Analysis to assess the current budget for social protection in the Virgin Islands.

Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms. Tasha Bertie said the analysis will receive funding and technical support from the UNICEF Office of the Eastern Caribbean and will look at any potential opportunities that may exist to mobilise additional resources for the expansion of the Public Assistance Programme.

Ms. Bertie said the ministry initiated an independent review of the Social Assistance Benefits and Grants Administration System in November 2022 with the assistance of Social Policy Research Institute (SPRI Global) based on the 2022 COI Report's recommendations. She said the institute’s review presented several suggestions for enhancing the Public Assistance Programme.   

The Acting PS stated that the ministry has facilitated amendments to the Public Assistance Act, which was passed in the House of Assembly in early July to pave the way for necessary changes to the programme.

"We are looking to put in place more streamlined processes, clear eligibility criteria, and improved service delivery to vulnerable persons and those struggling to meet basic living necessities,” Ms. Tasha Bertie said. She added, “In light of the potential consequences of these reforms to our public assistance package, the ministry has undertaken a comprehensive economic analysis to examine how the government can support the recommended programme enhancements. The Analysis will assess the resources needed and identify data gaps to ensure the programme's long-term sustainability."

Consultants met with a wide variety of stakeholders across the public service and other entities to collect the required data and gather insights on how the programme can be improved to better serve the community.

A comprehensive review of the existing programme and other crucial areas relevant to public assistance over a five-year period will be conducted. “This thorough analysis will enable us to recognise trends, make predictions, and provide robust recommendations for the programme's future,” Ms. Bertie said.

The Fiscal Space for the Virgin Islands is being conducted by global consultancy firms Genesis Analytics and SHEER Research & Advisory, with SHEER Research & Advisory’s Economist Dr. Manal Shehabi and regionally based researcher and social policy expert Ms. Kendra Butler leading the review.The consultancy will conclude in October this year.

1. Public Assistance Programme - The Public Assistance Programme, established by the Public Assistance Act 2013, provides non-contributory financial support and in-kind assistance to low-income individuals and households based on means-testing.  It serves as a vital safety net for vulnerable residents in the Virgin Islands. The Programme also offers referrals to partnership programmes for families dealing with issues such as chronic unemployment, disability, homelessness, or addiction, prioritising the Territory's most vulnerable, including children, seniors over 65, unemployed individuals, and persons with severe disabilities.