This according to Premier Andrew Fahie who was delivering the annual budget address at the time.

He said hurricane repairs to 34 homes were completed in 2021 through the territory’s Housing Recovery Programme.

“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,” Premier Fahie stated.

He also indicated that three social homes were built in 2021 and said a fourth is scheduled for completion next month. Two ‘rebuild grants’ were also issued while another two should be completed by the end of the year.

COVID-19 dynamics required much effort

Premier Fahie stressed that much of the work was done amid shifting dynamics. He said these works required considerable effort on the Social Development Ministry’s part.

“The Ministry of Health & Social Development has had a ‘lion share’ of challenges during 2021; as they did in 2020,” Premier Fahie said.

According to the Premier, many of the challenges faced were due in part to the ever-changing dynamics of having to anticipate, plan, prepare and respond to the many issues of COVID-19.

Because the circumstances surrounding the virus were so fluid, the Premier said plans had to be revamped constantly in order for an adequate response to be prepared and delivered.

“Despite these challenges, the Ministry of Health and Social Development, its departments, units and divisions have exerted considerable effort in fulfilling its mandate to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and quality of life in the Virgin Islands,” Premier Fahie said.