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by pltm
(PLTM) - There will be a three-month amnesty on electricity bills for individuals and businesses as part of the government’s response to the economic fallout from COVID-19.
“…In order to assist you in this area, for the months of May, June and July, the Government through the BVIEC and its Board, will be granting an amnesty on payments to qualifying individuals and businesses,” Premier and Finance Minister Hon. Andrew Fahie said.
In his announcement made on Thursday May 21, the Premier said that this will be one of the areas covered under phase two of his government’s Economic Stimulus Response plan for rebooting and reawakening the BVI economy, following the initial mitigation measures for containing COVID-19.
A detailed plan of phase 2 is set to be launched on May 28.
The Premier said that the electricity payment initiative will be led and monitored by the BVI Electricity Corporation and its Board.
He said systems will be in place to ensure that the needy benefits and not the greedy.
“This will be on a case-by-case basis as businesses and individuals will have to furnish the relevant information to BVIEC and its Board to show how they were affected by COVID-19 based on the criteria that will be published,” he said.
The Finance Minister added, “This is necessary to verify and ensure that the needy gets the needed help, and not the greedy. This is your Government’s mantra in respect to the phased implementation of the economic stimulus response to COVID-19.”
He said that Government understands the hardship persons are facing during this time, “and as promised we will continue to address the major essential needs of our people and local businesses, as much as possible and within the limits of our means as a Territory.”
Premier Fahie and his government is facing heightened pressure over the need for them to roll out a comprehensive economic package.
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