Government has disbursed $1 016 400 to date under the Adopt-A-Family Programme, which was designed to help vulnerable families cope with the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
A total of 1 694 vulnerable families have each received $600.
Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Alies Jordan, said today that the money was the first of three monthly payments they would receive to provide food for their families.
“These payments exceeded the original target of 1 500 vulnerable families, at a cost of $900 000 per month. In addition to disbursing the funds, which were received through donations, Government also provided financial support for the programme, to meet the additional need.
“Based on the referrals, calls and emails that have been received, it is now estimated that a minimum of 2 500 vulnerable families are likely to apply for assistance. This would take the disbursed amounts for May and June to $1.5 million per month,” Jordan said in a press release.
The Permanent Secretary said that as of May 4, 2020, 326 individuals and companies had donated $900 000.82 to the Adopt-a-Family Programme.
She said all donations were used to provide assistance to the most vulnerable families.
With regard to selection, Jordan said families were first assessed to ensure they were not receiving other benefits.
She explained that with the assistance of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, debit cards were provided to the recipients.
The Ministry of Finance, Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, the COVID-19 Unit, the Household Mitigation Unit, and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology worked to ensure the programme worked efficiently, according to Jordan.
The bank account will remain open at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, Broad Street to account number 1001193982, for those wishing to make donations. (BGIS)
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