Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, Discusses Transition to Digital Payments in Barbados
January 2, 2024
Barbadians receiving funds from the government will soon have their money sent directly to their accounts, as the government transitions to a digital approach for payments. Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, assures a smooth transition process for all beneficiaries.
Those days at the post office waiting in line to cash that important cheque are about to end.
Soon, all Barbadians receiving funds from Government, be it pension or welfare cheques, income tax payments or reverse tax credits, will have the monies sent to their accounts directly.
However, says Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey, people will be brought along as part of the transition process and not asked to fend for themselves.
“We currently pay the 6 000-plus recipients by cheque but that will be changed as all of the Government goes digital. We are currently doing a study with the World Food Programme to look at integrating a digital approach in a way that is efficient, but also is most relevant to beneficiaries,” he told the Daily Nation.
The minister said the study would examine digital financial inclusion in Barbados, analysing barriers and opportunities to improve it and social protection delivery, similar to studies done in St Lucia, Dominica and Jamaica. (BA)
