Latest update February 6th, 2025 7:27 AM
A new building for Human Services Ministry being touted by Webster
A new location for the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is being touted by Minister Jennifer Webster. Her disclosure comes in the wake of recent reports published by this newspaper highlighting that sections of the Water and Cornhill Streets, Stabroek, Georgetown facility are in a deplorable state, which is not conducive for the nature of the work undertaken by her Ministry.
The Minister in an invited comment revealed that her office is not excluded from the deplorable condition that currently exists.
In light of the challenging situation, Minister Webster said that “this matter is currently engaging my attention and this was even before the issue was raised in the newspaper.” Among the concerns of the Minister, who assumed office just about three months ago, is the area in which the building, which houses 527 staff members, is located. “I think, first of all, the location is bad for the kind of work and services, such as counseling, that we provide at the Ministry…You have the market and there is always noise and a lot of work for the social services people. People are coming in to be counseled and they can’t concentrate with that level of noise…If one was to come down there you would hear the boom, boom boxes at 10 in the morning.”
Human Services Minister, Jennifer Webster
Coupled with this dilemma, the Minister said that the Human Services Ministry building, which has been the venue for the formation of many ideas which have brought much relief to many citizens, is however a very old building. “So in terms of having the Ministry there right now, is not the best idea. The Ministry has been there for a number of years and everybody knows that it is an old building and it is certainly not foolproof so we have to find somewhere…” she noted.
Meanwhile, the Minister is on a mission to introduce a number of new initiatives, among them a modern senior citizens’ home. It is however, the view of the Minister that such a facility should not be the sole responsibility of the Government but rather she intends to solicit the support of the Private Sector. “It would be nice for us to have the Private Sector come on board and help us provide a modern facility where our seniors can live in a real relaxed manner.”
Deplorable conditions under which social workers execute their daily duties
According to the Minister, the facility should be one that is friendly even to those elders who are unable to walk properly and should be one “with a friendly ambience where they can interact with each other.” A facility of such a nature should also incorporate programmes which would allow the elders to go out from time to time so that they can keep abreast with what’s going on around them, the Minister added.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Land, taxes and penalties
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News-The American humorist Will Rogers once remarked that the best investment on earth is earth... more
OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus
Antiguan Barbudan Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The upcoming election... more
Weekend Cartoon
