–as single parent programme not ready yet
The PNCR has offered suggestions to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, which it believes could give immediate relief to the most vulnerable groups, particularly senior citizens and single parent families, while the government determines its strategy in the long term.
The party has expressed concern that the government has begun a registration exercise of single parents but has no strategy as to how it would assist them at this stage.
At the party’s weekly press conference at Congress Place yesterday, PNCR Central Executive Member Amna Ally said the suggestions were made when a PNCR delegation led by MP Volda Lawrence met Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand on May 16.
Ally, reading from the party’s prepared text, said the suggestions were made on account of the “unconscionable 16% VAT.”
The suggestions included the provision of a morning snack for schoolchildren consisting of high-energy biscuits with milk, porridge or juice to help those children who had no morning meal and to encourage their attendance at school and increase their ability to learn. The party also recommended the provision of vouchers for day-care service, especially to single parents to assist them to seek gainful employment and help the older children, who often baby sit to attend school. A voucher for basic food items could also be provided to the elderly and to single parents with four or more children, it said.
The PNCR said that at the meeting Lawrence sought answers to questions she had sent to Manickchand in a letter dated April 29, seeking clarification and information on the outcome of the single parent registration exercise conducted recently. No answers were forthcoming at the time.
The questions related to whether or not there will be a committee or committees to evaluate the applications and whether there would be several committees for each administrative region; the criteria for selection; categories for assistance; number of children being considered in families; the likely amount to be given; the life cycle of the assistance; when disbursement would begin and; and how applicants would know their status.
The delegation, the PNCR said, pointed out the need to recognise the public perception that the completion and submission of the registration forms would be immediately followed by some direct financial and other benefits.
Manickchand, the party said, contended that the call for persons to complete and submit the forms was part of a data-gathering process and that Cabinet had not yet decided on the details of any follow-up programme.
