While contributing to the mid-year budget Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles Laroda said his ministry has plans to further assist those in need.

Laroda told Parliamentarians, “I was just in three islands of the MICAL constituency Acklins, Crooked Island and Long Cay and we’re hearing the cries of individuals there about the high cost of food. My ministry has made recommendations that we are considering for an increase in our allowances for grocery items because of the financial distress that is coming from not only New Providence but also from the family islands.”

According to Laroda $6.8 million was spent up to December 2024 on social services assistance. He said, “some $1.6 million has been spent on temporary accommodations. Medical assistance we have spent some $731,000, for food assistance some $2.6 million have been spent…for New Providence only.”

He added, “we have sought to extend our reach throughout The Bahamas through strategic partnerships. You would note that the issuance of subventions and grants to organizations is a means used to spread services throughout the community recognizing that the government cannot provide for every need.”

The mid-year budget debate continues in the House Of Assembly on Monday, March 10th.