Cabinet has approved an increase amount of EC$5.00 for recipients on the Public Assistance Programme who are currently receiving EC$275, to ensure that they are not disadvantaged when using the newly implemented reloadable Automated Teller Machines (ATM) cards.
Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Montgomery Daniel told a media briefing, that the move will allow recipients to withdraw all of their money, if they so wish, when using the card. This is in light of the fact that ATMs only issue 20-, 50- and 100-dollar notes.
According to a release from the Agency for Public Information, the cash method of payment cost the state EC$22,290 monthly or EC$267, 480 per year.
Minister Daniel said the approval by Cabinet seeks to sustain the new payment method that will cost the state a reduced figure of EC$833.00 monthly or an average of EC$10,000 dollars annually.
The Acting Prime Minister said not only will this method be cost effective but it will also provide financial freedom opportunities for the beneficiaries.
