Gov’t to Change Name of Infirmaries

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says the Government will be changing the name of the island’s infirmaries, with the process to begin in eastern parishes.

He made the disclosure at a recent town hall meeting at the Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio, Portland.

“So when you go to the Portland Infirmary in a couple weeks’ time, you won’t see the sign saying anymore – ‘Portland Infirmary’. You will see a new sign saying ‘Portland Adult Residential Care Facility’. That is the new name,” he told the large audience, which reacted with applause.

Minister McKenzie said the move is part of measures by the Government to introduce a modern human services management approach to poor relief.

He noted that already, Cabinet has approved amendments to the Poor Relief Act to abolish the Board of Supervision and transfer the functions of the Board to the Ministry of Local Government.

The Board of Supervision monitors and supervises infirmaries across the island.

The Minister said the Government is firmly committed to protecting the poor and vulnerable, and will not spare any expenses in uplifting the standards of those who depend on the State for assistance.

“We are providing funding for the construction of indigent housing across the country, we’re upgrading the listing of the registered indigent poor, and the Ministry is providing the tools to Poor Relief Officers, so they can continually improve the service they offer,” he said.