Crichlow-Cockburn: No homeless crisis

Social Development Minister Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn yesterday said there was no evidence to support claims that the population of homeless people in TT was spiralling out of control.

She made this statement in response to a question in the House of Representatives. Crichlow-Cockburn said the statistics showed that between 2015 and 2016, there was an increase of 70 people in Trinidad. However, she said the number of homeless people in Port of Spain decreased by three people. The latest count of homeless people was done last month and the information is being compiled.

Crichlow-Cockburn said her ministry continued a variety of measures to assist homeless people.

Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat, later in the sitting, said he repaid a housing allowance which was paid to him in error.

Finance Minister Colm Imbert said discussions were ongoing between the ministry and the Public Services Association on the transition of workers from the Board of Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise Division to the proposed Revenue Authority.

Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis said the live music district initiative would be launched next year at a cost of $250,000. Outlining the benefits that initiative would have, such as artistes’ exposure and job creation, Robinson-Regis said it was superior to an initiative under the former People’s Partnership government, when one artiste was paid $5 million and TT saw no benefits from that.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said there were delays in salary payments to some nurses, but the matter would be rectified soon.

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"Crichlow-Cockburn: No homeless crisis"

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