Questions Asked About the Promised Lockdown Weekend Funds

Julian Robinson, the Opposition Spokesman on Finance urged the Government to say when the money that is needed by the poor Jamaicans, due to the three weekends of lockdown will be distributed.

Dr Nigel Clarke, the Finance and Public Service Minister had given a commitment at the close of the 2021/2022 Budget Debate on March 23, for a total of $126 million, which represents $2 million for each constituency, it should be disbursed by the 1^st of April.

However, on Sunday Robinson revealed that the promised funds were not delivered to any of the 14 members of the Opposition. He also stated that many of his constituents were asking for the funds as they expected the promise to be kept and there was no update given.

The lockdowns began on March 27 and they are expected to end on April 12.

More than 40,000 Jamaicans have been infected with the virus and more than 600 persons have died since the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed on the island on March 10, 2020.

Robinson pleaded with the Minister to get an update for the members of Parliament and the people who are waiting so they can know when the funds will be available.

Mr Clarke reported that it wasn’t practical for the payment to be made before April 1, but the Government’s policy intent was still in place. That means money will be given to the vulnerable to ease their distress during the lockdowns. 

Holness earlier explained that staring April Jamaica will go into a new COVID-19 regime hinting that we may see Fewer hours of freedom thereafter.