“Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health and Social Development have a broad range of functions one of which is social programmes," he said on Thursday, November 11, 2021, while delivering the 2022 budget speech.

"In 2021 through the Housing Recovery Programme, hurricane repairs to 34 homes were completed, this means that 34 persons in the Virgin Islands who were affected by Irma and Maria were able to get the keys to their new homes as a result of this programme, for this, God be all the glory,”

Premier indicated that three social homes were built and a fourth is scheduled for completion next month.

“Two rebuild grants were issued, another two should be completed by year’s end,” he added.

Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister for Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said the Ministry of Health and Social Development is aiming to construct 13 new homes and repair 25, in the coming year for residents whose homes were impacted by the 2017 hurricanes.

2022 Projections

For the New Year, Premier said, the intent is to surpass 2021’s figures to rebuild homes for needy persons.

“In 2022 the Ministry’s intention is to construct 13 additional social homes, repair an additional 25 homes that were damaged by Irma and Maria and complete the process for the issue of 14 rebuild grants. Our people continue to get help but we still have much more to do,” he remarked.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development has been allotted $34.2 million or 9.57 % of the 2022 recurrent budget and 5.02 % of the development budget.