Timely Upgrade to boost Poor Relief Operations – St. Catherine Municipal Corporation
The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development will be providing $1 million to the Poor Relief Department of the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation, to assist needy individuals in the parish.
The disclosure was made by portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, at the Corporation’s Monthly General Meeting held in the meeting room, Emancipation Square, Spanish Town on Thursday (June 14).
The Minister said the needy cases will be identified and addressed at the discretion of the department. He said this is being done to improve the delivery of service to the poor and destitute.
During the meeting, the Minister handed over new tablet computers, desktop computers and state-of-the-art printers to the Poor Relief Department.
Mr. McKenzie commended the Poor Relief Officers on the work they have been doing, noting that with the new equipment, they have now been provided with the tools to carry out their duties more resourcefully. “Gone are the days when Poor Relief Officers need to be (sifting through) a book to get information,” he stated.
He went on to say that the Government is committed to enhancing the lives of the nation’s poor and destitute, and that this Administration is on a mission to build indigent housing, improve infirmaries and build drop-in centres across the country for persons living on the streets.
The role of the Poor Relief Department is to provide (indoor) and (outdoor) care to the destitute members of the society. This means persons who may be registered roll as wards of the state and require institutional care, or destitute persons receiving temporary assistance only.
Councillors too, were also presented with tablets computers at the meeting.
New Councillor for Homestead Division sworn In
Mark McLean took the oath of office earlier on in the meeting and was sworn in as Councillor for the Homestead Division. He was replacing Owen Palmer who died tragically on (March 04). Councillor Palmer served the Homestead Division from 2003 until the time of his death.
