Minister Lauds Work of Hanover Poor Relief Dept.
By: , February 20, 2019The Key Point:
Photo: Sheldon Freeburn
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie (right), is presented with a token by Homelessness Coordinator at the Hanover Poor Relief Department, Hyacinth Morris, at the official opening of the Hanover Drop-In Centre on Miller’s Drive in Lucea, on February 15.The Facts
- “When public servants do well, politicians must not take the praise. You must acknowledge and give credit (where it is due), and I want to say without fear of contradiction, that one of the best teams of poor relief workers in this country is here in the parish of Hanover, “ the Minister said.
- He was speaking at the official opening of the Hanover Drop-In Centre on Miller’s Drive, Lucea, on February 15.
The Full Story
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has praised the work of the Hanover Poor Relief Department, noting that it is a shining example of service in the Ministry.
“When public servants do well, politicians must not take the praise. You must acknowledge and give credit (where it is due), and I want to say without fear of contradiction, that one of the best teams of poor relief workers in this country is here in the parish of Hanover, “ the Minister said.
He was speaking at the official opening of the Hanover Drop-In Centre on Miller’s Drive, Lucea, on February 15.
The Minister also commended the department’s Inspector of Poor, Neika Edram, for her commitment to aiding indigent residents in the parish, as well as her exemplary leadership of the department.
“She is the youngest Inspector of Poor in the island. In all of my years in local government, I have never seen an Inspector of Poor in her age group. We normally find older persons in these positions, because some persons believe that only people going up in age should deal with the poor. But the Inspector of Poor in Hanover is a shining example of what leadership is all about, and the team that works with her must also be commended, “he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. McKenzie gave the assurance that the team from the Ministry will do an assessment of any issues that the department is facing.
“I know there are some challenges with the Poor Relief office, and I do not want any member of staff within the Ministry of Local Government to work in any condition that is not conducive to delivering good service. The technical team [from the Ministry] will sit with your technical team from the Municipal Corporation to have a look at the problems that staff members are facing. I am committed to ensuring that we correct any problems that exist,” he said.
The Hanover Drop-in Centre, which was constructed at a cost of $14 million, will provide warm meals for homeless persons, a place to shower, a change of clothes as well as a place to rest.