NASSAU, BAHAMAS Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis today revealed that the government-funded unemployment benefits program will continue through December, adding that an additional $45 million has been allocated to COVID-19 support initiatives.

During a national address, Minnis said $10 million has been allocated to support the second phase of the national food program until the end of December.

This government-sponsored program is to ensure that Bahamians receive food assistance in a timely and responsible manner, he said.

Some $146 million has been poured into the domestic economy via unemployment assistance.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest told Parliament last month that $15.4 million had been paid out under the unemployment assistance program to support self-employed persons. Those individuals would not ordinarily qualify for the unemployment benefit under the National Insurance Board (NIB).

The government also funded a special extension of unemployment benefits for unemployed persons who had exhausted their standard NIB benefit, with payments totaling just under $40 million.

The National Insurance Board has paid out over $90 million to-date.

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PM: Unemployment benefits extended to December, another $45 million for COVID-19 support - EyeWitness News