Senate debates $10 million loan for COVID-19 Food Assistance Program

Published by BBN Staff at July 29, 2020

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Posted: Wednesday, July 29, 2020. 10:56 am CST.

By BBN Staff: The COVID-19 Food Assistance Program created by the Government, originally with $10 million out of $75 million loaned by the Central Bank in April, will continue with a US $10 million loan from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), brought to the House of Representatives today.

At the house meeting last week, Minister for Human Development Anthony Martinez explained that in addition to the extension of the Program, the BOOST cash transfer program would be expanded and extended to meet more needs.

Today, the Senate is discussing the loan motion for the funds to assist with the food assistance program.

Senator for Government business, Godwin Hulse introduced the motion.

Senator Osmany Salas then rose to share some concerns about the motion.

Salas explained that the purpose as laid out in the loan motion is inconsistent with the objective as laid upon the loan agreement.

The loan will be to increase coverage of the current food assistance program in other communities and diversify food items.

But, Salas says that he believes the other objective that includes implementing an effective campaign for mass awareness and education to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is very important.

Salas shared about the challenges faced as the Northern villages went under lockdown and reiterated the importance of an education campaign.

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