Special Provisions Being Made to Assist Family Island Administrators as they Implement COVID-19 Emergency Orders

Mon, Mar 30th 2020, 09:10 PM

By Llonella Gilbert

The Government has had to make special provisions to assist the Offices of Family Island Administrators, as they work to support tirelessly to support local communities with implementing the COVID-19 Emergency Orders.

“With airports closed, movement restricted, and income streams being disrupted, many Family Island communities are feeling isolated and afraid. I want them to know that the Government is making the necessary resources available to assist in the execution of the COVID-19 Emergency Orders,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest announced while presenting an update on the Government’s stimulus measures in response to COVID-19 in the House of Assembly, Monday, March 30, 2020.

The DPM explained that the Ministry of Finance is allocating $1.8 million to support the Family Islands specifically to be used for any COVID-19 related expenditure. The new allocation is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to reprioritize existing resources and to provide the necessary support to keep communities safe.

He said the allocations for the different islands range from $10,000 to $325,000. The average allocation is approximately $76,000.

DPM Turnquest said strict financial management protocols have been put in place to administer the use of these funds. “Under no circumstances are the COVID-19 Emergency Order Budgetary Allocations allowed to be utilized for the normal, routine Family Island Local and Central Government expenditures.

“This allocation will enable them to procure any COVID-19 related items, in line with the Ministry of Health’s guidance and protocols, to manage this pandemic at the community level. Unused amounts at the end of the COVID-19 emergency period are to be returned to the Treasury Department.”

He noted that he is advising the House of these allocations to the various Family Island districts to give assurance to all Bahamians across the country that every Family Island community has in its possession the resources on hand to address any immediate need that may arise as the country continues to navigate this pandemic.

The DPM stated, “All our communities across the country can be assured as well that additional allocations will be made available immediately upon need should the occasion so arise.”

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