The programme’s goal is to provide all applicants whose income was adversely affected by COVID-19 with a supplemental one-time payment of XCD 1,500.

The Ministry’s Lead Consultant, Tricia Leo, says the Ministry is pleased with the turnout of citizens and is presently processing the applications.

“The Ministry of Equity is particularly excited because of the influx of applicants who came in the final month of the program. We noted that we have over 7,000 applicants and we are in the process of getting those cheques ready. So we want to encourage applicants to be patient with us. Once you have met the criteria and your application is approved, the office will be reaching out to you to inform you as to how and when you can collect your check,” she explained.

Despite receiving 7,000 applications, she clarifies that only the most deserving and most affected people will be contacted by Ministry officials.

“This programme is intended to meet the needs of the most needy and those who are most impacted by COVID-19 and we have been working with the Ministry of Equity and our partners towards ensuring that those who are most in need of this assistance are the recipients of the ISP. So again, we want to encourage applicants to be patient with us while we sift through the applications and we ensure that the worthy applicants receive them,” she said.

The first tranche of payments was made last year before Christmas.