Social Development outreach continues in Point Fortin

Minister of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox visited Point Fortin on Monday, when she held several meetings and visits to various stakeholders in the area.

In a release, the ministry said Cox was accompanied by permanent secretaries Jacinta Bailey-Sobers, Sheila Seecharan, and deputy permanent secretary Vijay Gangapersad.

They met with Point Fortin MP Kennedy Richards Jr at Techier Road and Point Fortin Mayor Saleema Thomas at the borough corporation’s headquarters in Mahaica.

The meeting with Richards was “to discuss matters of mutual interest in an efforts, to ensure that no one is left behind.”

And during the visit to Thomas, they discussed various ministry initiatives "to service the burgesses of Point Fortin and environs in a more efficient and effective way, and through a more responsive delivery of social services.”

The release said a key area pointed out by Cox was "the plans by the ministry to launch a community first-responders Programme where the ministry will be working closer with stakeholders and civil society organisations for greater impact at the local level.”

Cox made a presentation titled Public Information, Education and Sensitisation, explaining how to access grants, among other things.

“The session also aimed at clarifying issues related to access, whilst treating with concerns and responses from the ministry. The session included representatives of the Social Welfare Division, National Family Services Division, Division of Ageing, Piparo Empowerment Centre and the National Social Development Programme (NSDP), where the SEED Programme, as well as grants for housing repairs, sanitary plumbing and electrical wiring were highlighted."The releases said poverty assessments were also done to give those helping people at the community level a better understanding.

Cox later met with staff at the Point Fortin Social Welfare Local Board and social welfare supervisors of the region.