Relief for Vulnerable Residents as Cabinet Raises People's Benefit Programme Payments to $300 Monthly

After approximately two decades of receiving the same monthly assistance, nearly 1,500 vulnerable residents in Antigua and Barbuda are set to benefit from a significant increase in financial support following a decision by Cabinet.

The government has approved an increase in the People's Benefit Programme (PBP) from EC$215 to EC$300 per month, providing beneficiaries with an additional EC$85 to help meet rising living expenses.

The programme, administered by PDV Caribe Antigua and Barbuda Ltd. (PDVCAB), currently supports 1,495 registered beneficiaries.

According to Wednesday's Cabinet report, the adjustment represents an increase of almost 40 percent and is intended to strengthen financial assistance for individuals who have faced years of increasing prices for essential goods and services.

The increase will require approximately EC$127,075 in additional monthly expenditure, equivalent to EC$1.525 million annually.

Total annual spending under the programme is consequently expected to rise from approximately EC$3.857 million to EC$5.382 million.

Cabinet also approved a Vagrant Care Initiative aimed at improving hygiene, health and dignity among vulnerable and homeless individuals in and around St. John's.

A donor has committed to providing a portable shower unit, while PDVCAB will collaborate with the Soup Kitchen and the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross to provide access to showers, clothing and hygiene supplies.

The initiative is expected to cost PDVCAB between EC$2,500 and EC$3,500 monthly.

In another development, Cabinet approved the transfer of Crown Land east of the St. John's Fire Station on Factory Road to PDVCAB for the construction of a modern headquarters.

The organisation has operated from rented premises for 21 years and currently incurs additional rental expenses for facilities used in distributing utility booklets.

The proposed headquarters will accommodate administrative services, training, disaster-response collaboration and income-generating activities, while also providing a permanent refuge for vulnerable persons.

The property is expected to provide PDVCAB with a fixed asset valued at up to EC$5 million.

Cabinet described the initiatives as important measures aimed at improving social protection and strengthening assistance to the country's most vulnerable residents.