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by pltm
(PLTM) - While stating that the government will not be putting cash into the hands of persons to pay utility bills, Premier Andrew Fahie said some businesses and individuals will receive grants.
He was at the time speaking to phase 2 of government’s stimulus during a press conference held on Thursday May 21.
Premier Fahie said that there will be strict criteria in place for persons who receive relief amidst COVID-19.
“We have to ensure we put these things in place because If we making it a free for all and just put money in people’s hands, we have no guarantee that the bills will be paid. We want to make sure we help the businesses by making sure some of them would get some grants, we want to help the individuals, some may get some grants,” he said.
The Finance Minister added, “but in the areas where there are certain utilities those will be paid directly or they will be able to go directly and write it off and government will take care of that. Those are areas that are coming.”
Government’s Economic Stimulus Response plan for rebooting and reawakening the BVI economy, following the initial mitigation measures for containing COVID-19 will be rolled out on May 28.
At the May 21 press briefing, Premier Fahie announced that there will be a three-month amnesty on electricity bills for qualified businesses and individuals.
“There were some business thriving during the lockdown because of the need for them. They cannot come and ask the government and qualify for an amnesty for three months for utility when during that time they were making it,” he explained.
He said those indeed will be targeted.
“We have to ensure we get the right the businesses, especially the small businesses, taxi operators…those who were out of business as a result of major hits in their industry,” the Premier stressed.
Not All Your Bills
He also cautioned residents that the economic package will not be something which will help to pay all their bills.
“At the end of the day we understand the anxiety and that people want to pay their bills. I can’t join with anyone who is making these stimulus [Sic] seem like when they come, they are going to pay everyone’s bill and everyone could go off hakuna matata and everything will be okay. I cannot join that kind of mentality,” he opined.
According to the Finance Minister, the government is going to do its best to help in the essential areas.
“Some people are trying to put pressure on the government, but not the regular common man.
He continued, “so they are playing with their emotions to try to force us to try to go in a direction that would cause them to be the author of our fate. They are not caring about the people like they are saying.”
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