Month-long activities to mark Day for Eradication of Poverty

THE Ministry of Social Development and Family Services joins the world on Saturday to observe the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

This day has been reserved to highlight, among other things, the impact of poverty on vulnerable and marginalised populations, with a view of inspiring greater collective action, in support of the rights and dignity of such households and communities.

Last Friday, the ministry rolled out some of its planned activities for Poverty Month, which started on October 16 runs until November 13.

A brief launch ceremony took place at the ministry in Port of Spain, under this year’s theme, “Acting together to achieve social and environmental justice for all”.

At the launch, Minister DOnna Cox congratulated staff for hosting the event and emphasised the strategic role of such activities, in elevating the levels of national consciousness and support for Government’s poverty reduction initiatives.

She reminded the audience, which  included staff and clients of the ministry, that it was important for all citizens to understand that poverty is not merely the responsibility of Government, but of every person and groups within society.

“Given its multi-dimensional nature, poverty eradication requires not only a robust socio-economic response by the State, but also the passion and dedication of experienced professionals in all sectors of national development,” Cox said.

She was also mindful of the impact of the ongoing pandemic on this country’s most vulnerable and urged staff to continue to work towards implementing the National Social Mitigation Plan in support of the National Recovery Plan.

Acting Permanent Secretary Sheila Seecharan described the activity as one of the many creative ways in which the ministry seeks to ensure that all staff are cognizant of the various parts of the whole.

A press release saidSeecharan noted it was important for every member of the executive and staff to share in the same vision, so that the ministry remains a client-centred and high-performance organisation. She also highlighted the importance of evidence-based research, monitoring and evaluation in realising the ministry’s objectives.

After the ceremony, the minister joined the executive team on a tour of the information display booths which depicted the multi-dimensional views of poverty as well as some of the activities scheduled for Poverty Month 2020. Among these will be webinars and inter-active activities via social media, in collaboration with other stakeholders from the social services sector.