Distribution of care packages to begin next week

The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) will be handling the distribution of care packages to vulnerable households next week.

This was announced by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley during yesterday’s COVID-19 update. 

The effort is part of Government’s COVID-19 Relief Programme. The packages consist of fresh produce, canned and dry goods, and personal care items.

Noting that Government “did not want Barbadians lacking for anything, as we go through this difficult moment in time”, Prime Minister Mottley said information was provided by the Welfare Department, the National Assistance Board and the Household Mitigation Unit. Information was also collected through Members of Parliament, as well as representatives across the political landscape.

“We believe all deserving Barbadians should benefit, and let me explain what is motivating how we are addressing this. I don’t believe that anybody coming to certain households that are clearly upper middle income or middle income and have cash flow that the conscience of those persons will cause them not to want to accept it.

“But if we send the BDF, just as we’re doing with Operation Seek and Save, house by house…. And clearly persons who have more than six or seven people in a house would have to get more than somebody who is one person in a house,” she explained.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that persons who were in dire need also had the option of contacting the call centre set up specifically for this purpose at 536-2273 or 536-CARE. (BGIS)