This decision was taken due to the interest shown and questions raised by the public. Tricia Leo, the Project Coordinator for the Safety Net Project, explains that the Programme aims will provide crucial financial assistance to individuals in the informal sector who continue to grapple with the effects of COVID-19.

“We know that many people lost their source of income because of COVID-19, and this is intended to provide some relief to those people. So it is a one-time payment of $1500.00, which will be paid to the individuals who meet the requirements,” Leo explained.

Applicants are required to submit a letter of redundancy or other evidence of income loss due to COVID-19. Additionally, applicants must provide a medical certificate or a doctor's letter confirming their illness due to COVID-19. For households applying on behalf of a child, necessary documentation includes the child's birth certificate, the death certificate of the parent or guardian who succumbed to COVID-19, and verification of guardianship or parenthood. 

The Project Coordinator says this initiative has gained popularity among the most vulnerable populations of the country. “There’s been quite a bit of interest in the program from Saint Lucians. We have received many questions, calls, and inquiries about the project, and because of that level of interest and because we want to allow people more time to respond and apply, we have chosen to extend the deadline,” she stated.

To submit an application, interested individuals can visit https://www.cognitoforms.com/GITS1/GOSLIS2. The extended deadline for completed application forms is December 1, 2023. The Ministry encourages all eligible individuals and households to take advantage of this extended opportunity and apply for the Income Support Programme to receive much-needed financial assistance during these challenging times.