Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has said that assistance is available for local farmers and fisherfolk affected by COVID-19.

Premier Fahie said farmers can get assistance such as cutting of access roads to their farms and fencing for their properties, among other measures that will boost their food production.

He added that fisherfolk who are in need of engines, nets and other equipment can get the help they need to move forward as a result of this initiative, thereby also boosting their production.

The Premier said, “We need the food supply. We need to create the jobs. We need to boost fisheries, and we need to boost agriculture.”

“This is our opportunity to finally make farming and fishing another one of our economic pillars, while giving us the ability to feed ourselves in case we are ever cut off from the rest of the world”, he added.

To be able to qualify for the grant, farmer must be a be a BVIslander, Belonger, Naturalised Citizen or Permanent Resident, registered with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries; or provide a notarised letter of referral verifying that the applicant has been engaged in farming for the past three years if not registered with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Additional requirements include, farmer must depend on farming as a source of income and is engaged in commercial agriculture as outlined by Scale of Commercial Agriculture in the Virgin Islands.

To qualify for a grant as a fisherfolk, one must be a BVIslander, Belonger, Naturalised Citizen or Permanent Resident, a licenced commercial fisher as defined under the Virgin Islanders Fisheries Act, 1997 and Regulations 2003, has held a commercial fishing licence within the past three years or provide a notarised letter verifying that they have been engaged in fishing for the past three years if he or she does not have an existing commercial fishing licence.

Registration forms are available online for the Economic Stimulus for Farmers and Fishermen at bvi.gov.vg. Applicants can apply from June 5 to July 3. Completed application forms must be submitted with proof of status,  estimate of materials, works to be done, or equipment required with photos where possible and a copy of Trade Licence or Fishing Licence or the notarised letter verifying engagement in farming or fishing for the past three years.

Completed forms with documents can be submitted at the Premier’s Office at the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex addressed to the Permanent Secretary or via email at premieroffice@gov.vg.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is now in Phase Two of the ongoing economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

• Flyer- Economic Stimulus Farmers and Fisher folks
• Application form for Economic Stimulus Farmers and Fishermen
• Scale of Commercial Agriculture in the Virgin Islands