The Government of the Virgin Islands is now in talks with the BVI Social Security Board to finalize an initiative that promises to bring much-needed relief to its contributors within the territory.
The Premier within his press briefing last night said “we are also working closely with the BVI Social Security Board, fine-tuning and finalizing an initiative that will adequately help the businesses and citizens who have been contributing their hard earned dollars.”
Opposition legislator, Mark Vanterpool had initially suggested that the SSB examine ways in which to assist persons who made their contributions.
He said “We don’t know how long this thing is going to be affecting us, so it may be time for the Social Security Board itself to start looking at how it can come to aid for some of its contributors, and how they will be able to assist in this specific period of time to try to buttress the wages or whatever maybe needed to help during this difficult time”
According to Honorable Vanterpool, the board is sitting on a “$600 Million fund” and can come to the aid of persons who are entitled to reimbursements at age 65, in light of COVID-related circumstances.
In an invited comment, Director of the Social Security Board, Antoinette Skelton previously said that there are currently no provisions within the law to allow for unemployment claims or relief.
When questioned on whether Government is considering a legislative change, Premier Fahie said “the Social security board has the authority to ensure the necessary recommendations to amend the legislation that governs them to accommodate any unforeseen eventuality”
This was however counteracted by the board’s chairman Ian Smith who said the board would have suggested revisions within the law to make provisions for similar realities, but successive Governments seemed reluctant to act on it.
These confines may have changed with the Premier, last night pledging that the results of the new discussions with SSB will be made privy to the public in short order.