Quicker help promised for Chase Village family

MINISTER of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox visited the families affected by last Wednesday’s mini-tornado at Chase Village in Chaguanas.

She vowed to help expedite processing relief efforts through the ministry.

A ministry release on Saturday said she assured the residents of Ragoonanan Road West that her executive and staff would continue to work expeditiously towards restoring a sense of normality to all affected. Ministry officials including deputy permanent secretary Vijay Gangapersad and directors of the National Social Development Programme (NSDP) and National Family Services Division (NFSD) also toured the affected homes.

Cox said it was important for the team to take a first-hand look at the disaster, so that appropriate technical and fiscal support could be redirected to the community. Site visits, the minister said, are a mandatory part of grant eligibility.

The release added: “Noting that the day was also committed to the annual global observance of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Minister Cox also sought to emphasise on the importance of a multi-faceted approach to relief and sustainability for all affected people.”

Staff from the NFSD spoke to relatives of the Crowe family, including several children and young adults, in preliminary discussions about the psycho-social aspects of recovery.

“In this regard, the ministry continued to employ a holistic response to eradicating poverty and supported government’s vision for ensuring that no person is left behind." Cox said through NSDP, the affected families could receive up to $20,000 to help buy materials for roofing and minor structural repairs, electrical work and plumbing.

They could also be eligible for the ministry’s household assistance grant, which was specifically designed to help victims of man-made or natural disasters replace items such as stoves, fridges and furniture.