Public Assistance Dept. Of Labour Ministry Caters To The Most Vulnerable

The Public Assistance Department in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security continues to address the needs of the most vulnerable groups in the society, including persons who have been affected by man-made or natural disasters.

Delivering his presentation  in the 2021/22 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on April 27, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda, said up to mid-March of the fourth quarter of financial year 2020/2021, a total of 2,019 individuals benefited from grants totalling approximately $114 million.

He said through the Short-Term Poverty Intervention, 3,915 individuals benefited from grants totalling approximately $69 million.

The Minister noted, too, that in response to the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry implemented the Special Emergency Relief intervention, distributing $89 million in grants to 4,971 poor families across Jamaica.

Meanwhile, Mr. Samuda said the Ministry’s disaster response activities in 2020 were predominantly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With the declaration of the first quarantined communities in Bull Bay, the Ministry, in conjunction with its Humanitarian Assistance Committee partners, commenced distribution of relief supplies to families in quarantine on March 14, 2020,” he said.

He pointed out that up to February 28, 2021, the team distributed approximately 45,000 food packages, 8,516 hygiene packages and other relief supplies and personal-care items to families in quarantine and other families affected by the pandemic across the island.

Mr. Samuda noted that the humanitarian response is ongoing, and the team continues to provide, islandwide, food supplies to families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Over the same period, the team responded to 242 incidents of fire affecting 396 families. [Some] 931 individuals were assisted with food, comfort items, emergency grants, funeral assistance and counselling,” he said.

He pointed out that the flood rains from October to November 2020 resulted in varying degrees of damage to 114 dwellings in more than 60 communities islandwide.

Mr. Samuda shared that the Ministry provided support in the form of grants, meals, food packages and numerous other relief supplies to the more than 120 persons affected by the flood rains.

He expressed appreciation to the Jamaica Red Cross, Adventist Relief Association, and Food For the Poor for their partnership and support.

“Additionally, we will be receiving a donation of 11,339 food kits from the World Food Programme. Many of you in this House have been asked to provide us with names of needy persons in your constituency,” he said.