In order to receive the day care assistance, single parents must be earning an income of under $30,000 a month, maintaining at least two children and also have to meet day care as an expense. The distribution of cheques was witnessed first hand by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand.
Addressing the small group of recipients in the mining town, the minister said that the process for selecting beneficiaries was well thought out. She noted too that the government understood the struggles of working single parents across the country and hopes to bring some relief through this initiative.
Speaking with Stabroek News several mothers express-ed gratitude for the assistance. One mother said that she single-handedly cares for her four children. “At de time that I filled out de form I bin working and it was hard and now I just lost meh job with no where to turn to. So I am very grateful for dis piece ah money.”
Others said that it is their strength as women that keeps them going to maintain their families. “Miss I does do every little thing fuh get a dollar, save thiefing and drugs, I aint had deh chance like most people fuh go to school and get a education. Dem children father walk out on me because I does be working all deh time and don’t get much time fuh he.”
On the other hand many complained bitterly about the public assistance procedure and the harsh way they are usually dealt with by officers responsible for this process.
Some accused the officers of having them speak out aloud about their personal information. One man said, “I sick, I cant work, my doctor sign up my medical for me to take to them and I aint even get deh chance to reach to dem. Deh see me on de road and tell me nah badda come cause I strong.”
Addressing these concerns the minister explained the procedures involved in accessing public assistance and the laws governing it.
She informed that the selection process is solely dependent on the local board and not her office. She also advised persons of other assistance packages made available by the government.
The distribution of the day care assistance cheques was done at the Fruits of Calvary Church at Wismar where 42 persons were served and 14 at the Linden Business Centre (LEAP) at Mackenzie.
