Following a series of complaints from members of the public, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud met with a number of Local Boards of Guardians (LBG) on Monday.
The LBGs in attendance were from Lusignan, Mahaicony and Fort Wellington. LBGs deliberate on a number of matters including applications for public assistance within their areas.
A release from the Ministry said that Persaud dealt with a number of concerns and issues regarding the LBGs and officers in the regions. The functionality of the Boards came under scrutiny with Persaud highlighting several critical issues which enable them to operate in a transparent and timely manner. Persaud, according to the release, was firm that bodies like these are there to help vulnerable persons in the communities so they can return to an independent lifestyle with the help of the temporary service and public assistance.
The release stated that the minister also encouraged officers and members of the boards to enlighten persons about the option of having their application reviewed by the final decision-making body, the Poor Law Commission.
