There is need for a professionally run welfare programme

Dec 07, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor

Decisions that fit are not always easy. The Ali-government took a decision to give every household $200,000. Then the decision was changed to $100,000 for every adult. So, in many instances a household could get over $200,000.

On the other hand, single parent households and in this case, it is mostly female single parent households, would in many instances receive just $100,000 dollars. So, a single mother with four children below the age of 18 with a lot more expense – sending them to school etc. – would only receive $100,000. In many instances, the children of some of these households are not in school because the mothers cannot afford to send them. Some tweaking of this decision needs to take place.

When the $40,000 payment was announced for students, I wrote asking about those whose parents cannot afford to send them to school. These children are obviously left behind.

I argued that this across the floor for the rich and poor should not be the first step but rather later when the intake from oil becomes greater. Emphasis should be on the targeting of the most vulnerable.

I will repeat when I was advisor to the Minister of Labour I lobbied for and it was agreed on for a difficult circumstance programme be set up. This programme still functions and assists those in need, but I believe it is not widely known. I wrote suggesting that an organized professional welfare system be set up to target the vulnerable. The one I ran at the Ministry of Labour would assist in creative ways: like money to start a small business, etc. so, that persons can fish for themselves.

This program should be run by those who are critical thinkers and who can empathise with people. Such a programme is critical in addressing the high poverty that exists.

I have witnessed and experienced people even asking for the half tennis role you have or the remaining food in a box. With such hunger, and the fact that their children may also be hungry, one can appreciate that desperation may drive some to crime.

I repeat and emphasise the need for a professionally run welfare programme that would tackle poverty in creative ways.

There are some other matters that need to be prioritized and in future letters I will give an insight as to what my party would do when in government.

Over the years, the policies of both parties have been designed to help those that are better off and unfortunately, they kept the vast majority divided using race. They ensured, their friends, families, cronies and donors receive most of the cake. The crumbs were thrown to the hardworking people. It is time the working people open their eyes and recognize the need to unite in defense of their common interests.

Rajendra Bisessar

BSc Sociology, LLB

Presidential Candidate United Democratic Front

(There is need for a professionally run welfare programme)

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