MPs Assist 6,000 Needy Persons

Members of Parliament (MPs), during the last financial year, assisted 6,000 of their most needy constituents to improve their standard of living, with the provision of $75 million in grant funding.

The MPs identified and recommended those persons who were in need of financial aid to improve their nutritional status, housing conditions, and to start small income generating businesses.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, made the disclosure during his 2014/15 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on May 28.

Mr. Kellier noted that valuations carried out by the Ministry’s social workers on the majority of these projects determined that they were well-designed, effectively implemented and satisfactorily assisted the beneficiaries to improve their lives.

The Minister further informed that the Government has made another $75 million available in the 2014/15 budget to assist an additional 6,000 needy persons. He said this was due to “the positive effect these grants had on the intended beneficiaries and the appreciative response of Members of Parliament.”

“I appeal to members of the House, in ensuring the success of the next phase of this project, to increase their monitoring functions of the use of these grants to empower the most vulnerable, in an effort to decrease their vulnerability and thereby contribute to the growth and stability of their families, communities, and the nation as a whole,” Mr. Kellier said.