More than $45m paid in Solidarity Allowance

The government has already distributed nearly $45 million to more than 149 000 Barbadians in Solidarity Allowance payouts, and is urging remaining eligible persons to register urgently to ensure they are paid before the June 30 deadline.

Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn revealed on Tuesday that $44 616 900 had already been distributed as part of the one-off $300 payout, and that systems are in place to process the remainder, roughly $11 million, once those remaining eligible persons come forward.

Straughn urged those persons to update their information with the National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS).

“We really want people to do this as early as possible so that NIS can get on with the business of processing payments directly to your bank account, or mailing cheques through the post office once updated information is received,” Straughn said during a press conference.

The Solidarity Allowance is being funded through the Consolidated Fund, using stronger-than-expected corporate tax revenues from the 2024-25 fiscal year, and coordinated by NIS to ensure orderly distribution.

The minister stressed that NIS resources themselves are not being used, stating, “There is no call or any impact on the resources of the National Insurance other than having the personnel involved in actually implementing the programme.”

“These resources have come directly from the Consolidated Fund… on behalf of the people of Barbados.”

Straughn acknowledged the long lines at some post offices in recent weeks but explained that the delays were due largely to the need for individuals to update outdated address information, something he said was essential to avoid misdirected payments.

“Almost 15 000 people who came forward just had to update their address and the reality is, there’s really no easy way for us to verify someone’s identity other than them showing up with their information,” he said.

He urged Barbadians, especially those aged 18 and over, to complete their registration using any valid form of identification including national IDs, driver’s licence and passports.

He noted that while the Trident ID is not a requirement, it could play a key role in modernising future relief distribution due to its embedded payment capabilities.

“Once you present your ID, you are eligible,” Straughn stressed.

He said the delays emphasised the need for the new ID: “We need a mechanism to be able to distribute resources to people quickly in the event of a disaster, and I think this current exercise demonstrates how difficult it can be to deliver cash payments at scale.”

Straughn said the government is working closely with the post offices and NIS to ease congestion, reduce wait times, and make the process as comfortable as possible.

“We will try, as best as possible, to accommodate people at the various locations and ensure that the due date is not as uncomfortable as it may be,” he added. “Let us get through the next few days without much more discomfort.”

The minister also reiterated that anyone who has not received a pension or made a National Insurance contribution within the past year is still eligible to apply, and an appeals process is in place for those with disputes.

“This is the first time in the country that everybody is to be paid at the same time, coordinated by a single institution,” Straughn said.

“It speaks to how our systems need to be better integrated… not to get into anyone’s business, but to ensure the government can respond quickly and effectively.”

Reiterating his appeal to the public, he said, “Let us close this gap. Let us distribute that money. And if more needs to be topped up from the government to the NIS, we will do so.” (SM)