BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, Mar. 6, CMC – Nearly EC$10 million have been paid out under the Budget Booster Wallet (BBW) for the months of January and February, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. Terrance M. Drew disclosed on Thursday.
Responding to questions from the St. Kitts and Nevis media during the Cabinet Press Conference, Prime Minister Drew said for the month of January, EC$4.8 million (One Ec dollar=US$0.37 cents) was paid to 19,372 persons and $5.1 million to 20,500 persons in the month of February.
In February, 20,500 persons were on the BBW program during which approximately EC$5.1 million were spent.
He also disclosed that in February, $3.3 million was used to buy groceries and food on both islands.
Persons are not allowed to use the BBW to purchase alcohol, tobacco and cosmetics.
Drew in launching the Budget Booster Wallet programme in January said it was to provide economic relief and empowerment for citizens and residents.
The BBW programme which runs until June 2025 is an initiative designed to ease financial burdens, especially for the most vulnerable households, and to ensure no one is left behind.
“This is not just a programme of financial assistance; it is a statement of our government’s firm commitment to prioritising the well-being of our citizens and ensuring more money in your pocket to help meet daily needs and reduce financial stress, in the midst of the negative effects of ongoing global inflation. The Budget Boost Wallet is a tangible reflection of our St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration’s dedication to [provide] economic relief and empowerment for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Drew said.
The BBW Programme provides EC$1,500 in direct financial assistance over six months (January to June 2025) to eligible individuals earning EC$5,000 or less per month.
The funds are credited monthly to a digital wallet via the JAD Platform, and are to be used exclusively for essential expenses, such as groceries, medication, household goods, utility payments and the Nevis Housing and Lands Department in Nevis.
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