Family aid programme launched

The Government has launched the Barbados Vulnerable Family Survival Programme to ensure those families who lost their income owing to COVID-19 are still able to put food on their tables during the pandemic, Special Advisor on Poverty to the Prime Minister Corey Lane said today.

The programme was designed to assist 1,500 of the most vulnerable families, who would receive $600 monthly for the next three months, in the first instance.

He disclosed that agencies were working “around the clock” to ensure that the distribution of the monetary assistance would begin within a few days.

Lane explained that individuals receiving help include those registered with the Household Mitigation Unit who lost their jobs in the public sector; those identified by the social service agencies and constituency representatives as the most vulnerable in each community; and households in dire financial need and with more than four children under 21 years.

In addition, he said, support would be given to those self-identifying individuals, including those in the informal sector, who are receiving no income owing to slowdowns and shutdowns.

He explained: “The Prime Minister and Government are casting a wide net to ensure that no one is left behind or no one falls through the social safety nets or cracks.  This is why Government’s response to vulnerable people in the face of COVID-19 is so all-embracing.”

To access the Barbados Vulnerable Family Survival Programme, Lane advised people to call 536-HOPE or 536-4673, 535-5366 or 266-7219, and participate in a Rapid Assessment – a short survey.

Noting that Government could not do it alone, the special advisor saluted the private sector and individuals who had stepped forward and contributed to Government’s recently launched Adopt A Family Programme, to assist these families. But he urged more firms and individuals to participate in the initiative.

Deposits may be made to the CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank account number 1001193982, and donors may email adoptafamily@pmo.gov.bb, advising of the deposit.  They may also call 255-1000, for further information on the programme.

Lane said: “I would like to call on more of Corporate Barbados and individuals, those with means, who can at least help one family with $600.00, two families with $1,200, or help half of a family with $300.  Contributions such as $50 have been received, and are appreciated in this deep and dark hour of need.

“Additionally, I would like to call on families, communities and neighbours to join us as we seek to look out for the most vulnerable among us.  The mission is to ensure that no one goes to sleep hungry or suffers unnecessarily.”