As the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government continues to roll out its economic stimulus package in a calculated way, it has now announced it is collaborating with the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) to offer a 3-month amnesty on electricity bills for 'qualifying' persons individuals and businesses.
This follows on the relaxing of water bills until June 2020 for customers of the Water and Sewerage Department.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), speaking at a press briefing at the conference room of the Office of the House of Assembly (HoA) today, May 21, 2020, said persons and businesses will have to prove that they have been impacted financially by COVID-19 to qualify for the amnesty.

This initiative, he said, will be led and monitored by the BVI Electricity Corporation and its Board.

"Your Government understands the hardship our people are facing during this time, and as promised we will continue to address the major essential needs of our people and local businesses, as much as possible and within the limits of our means as a Territory.

"Thus, in order to assist you in this area, for the months of May, June and July, the Government through the BVIEC and its Board, will be granting an amnesty on payments to qualifying individuals and businesses."

'For the needy not the greedy'

Premier Fahie said; however, this will be on a case-by-case basis as businesses and individuals will have to furnish the relevant information to BVIEC and its Board to show how they were affected by COVID-19 based on the criteria that will be published.

"This is necessary to verify and ensure that the needy gets the needed help, and not the greedy. This is your Government’s mantra in respect to the phased implementation of the economic stimulus response to COVID-19."

Premier Fahie further disclosed that persons who are employed by Government or have not suffered job loss or salary cuts are persons unlikely to qualify for the amnesty.

The amnesty on electricity bills will be part of Phase 2 of the Economic Stimulus Response plan for rebooting and reawakening the VI economy, following the initial mitigation measures for containing COVID-19.

Government will be launching Phase 2 on May 28, 2020.