More than 8,000 residents from Region One were the first to receive the $25,000 per household COVID-19 relief cash grant announced by President Irfaan Ali earlier this month.
The grant was one of several measures outlined by the President to provide support to households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project was officially launched by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, on Monday in Khan Hill.
Croal said the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to the people and it would begin to ease some of the hardships that hinterland residents are currently facing.
“Our President, when he addressed the nation, spoke about ensuring the lives of our citizens are taken care of, and this is one such exercise.” Minister Croal said.
Distribution of grants in Region Nine was also initiated by Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, on Monday. The Minister noted that the grants would be beneficial to revitalising the economy in the Region.
“You will have $200 million by the end of October circulating in this region. That is a significant boost to your economy in Region Nine. We will continue to ensure that we put money into people’s pockets,” Minister Bharrat said.
Distribution of the grants will also be done in other far-flung areas including Regions Seven and Eight.
